Systemic administration of immunostimulatory DNA sequences mediates reversible inhibition of Th2 responses in a mouse model of asthma

J Clin Immunol. 2001 May;21(3):175-82. doi: 10.1023/a:1011078930363.

Abstract

This study investigated whether immunostimulatory DNA sequences (ISS) induce a transient or sustained inhibition of Th2 responses to inhaled antigen. We sensitized mice with subcutaneous injections to develop a Th2 response to ovalbumin (ova) and then administered a dose of ISS prior to ova inhalation challenge. Mice were then rechallenged with ova by inhalation a second time at varying time points after the first ova inhalation (1 to 8 weeks later) to determine whether the ISS dose administered prior to the first ova inhalation protected against a subsequent second ova inhalation challenge. A single dose of ISS inhibited the Th2 response to the first inhalation of ova antigen, as well as 4 weeks later to the second inhalation of ova. However, ISS did not inhibit a Th2 response to the second inhalation of ova 8 weeks later. The reversible inhibition of Th2 responses at 8 weeks suggests the need for repeated ISS administration at monthly intervals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / prevention & control*
  • Base Sequence
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / prevention & control
  • CpG Islands / immunology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • DNA / administration & dosage*
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Eosinophils / drug effects
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Female
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Ovalbumin / administration & dosage
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / drug effects
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / drug effects*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Ovalbumin
  • DNA