Flt3-ligand plasmid prevents the development of pathophysiological features of chronic asthma in a mouse model

Immunol Res. 2007;37(2):147-59. doi: 10.1007/BF02685896.

Abstract

Airway inflammation and remodeling are primary characteristics of long-standing asthma. A balance between the T(H)1/T(H)2 cytokines regulates the accumulation and activation of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. Recently, we demonstrated that pUMVC3-hFLex, an active plasmid, mammalian expression vector for the secretion of Flt3-L, reversed established airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a murine model of acute allergic airway inflammation. The present experiments were undertaken to examine the effect of pUMVC3-hFLex in a chronic model of allergic airway inflammation that was established in Balb/c mice by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). pUMVC3-hFLex or the control plasmid, pUMVC3, were administered by injection into the muscle interior tibialis. Treatment with pUMVC3-hFLex completely reversed established AHR (p < 0.05), and this effect continued even after several exposures to the allergen (p < 0.05). pUMVC3-hFLex treatment prevented the development of goblet cell hyperplasia and subepithelial fibrosis, and significantly reduced serum levels of IL-4 and IL-5, and increased serum IL-10 levels (p < 0.05) with no effect on serum IL-13. Serum IgE or serum total and anti-OVA IgG1 and IgG2a levels did not change. Total BALF cellularity and BALF IL-5 levels were reduced (p < 0.05), but there was no significant effect on BALF IL-10 and IL-13. These results suggest that pUMVC3-hFLex treatment can prevent the development of airway remodeling and maintain airway protection in chronic experimental asthma model, and might provide a novel approach for treating chronic asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / genetics
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Asthma / therapy*
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Female
  • Goblet Cells / drug effects
  • Goblet Cells / immunology
  • Goblet Cells / pathology
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes / immunology
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Membrane Proteins / blood
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Ovalbumin / pharmacology
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Plasmids / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes
  • Membrane Proteins
  • flt3 ligand protein
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Ovalbumin
  • Collagen