Influence of respiratory syncytial virus infection on cytokine and inflammatory responses in allergic mice |
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Authors: | M. Barends&Dagger ,A. Boelen¶ ,L. de Rond,J. Kwakkel,T. Bestebroer§ ,J. Dormans&dagger ,H. Neijens&Dagger ,T. Kimman |
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Affiliation: | Research Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. marion.barends@rivm.nl |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Th2 lymphocyte responses are associated with inflammation and disease during allergic responses. Exposure to particular environmental factors during the expression of allergy could result in more pronounced Th2-like immune responses and more severe disease. One factor might be a respiratory virus infection. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on the expression of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy in BALB/c mice. METHODS: We determined OVA-specific IgE in serum, cytokine profiles and histopathological lesions in lungs of OVA-allergic mice after RSV infection. RESULTS: OVA sensitization and challenge induced OVA-specific IgE in serum, Th2 cytokine mRNA expression, and mononuclear and eosinophilic inflammation in the lungs. RSV inoculation during the challenge period enhanced OVA-induced IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA expression in lung tissue. RSV further enhanced the OVA-induced hypertrophy of mucous cells and eosinophilic infiltration in lung tissue. Surprisingly, RSV infection decreased Th2 cytokine secretion and eosinophilic influx in bronchoalveolar lavage of OVA-allergic mice. Because inactivated RSV did not influence these responses, replication of RSV appeared essential for the modification of OVA-induced Th2 cytokine expression. RSV did not change OVA-specific IgE levels in serum. Furthermore, the RSV-induced IL-12 mRNA expression in lung tissue of OVA-allergic mice was diminished, but IFN-gamma mRNA expression was not affected. CONCLUSION: RSV infection enhanced particular OVA-induced Th2 cytokine mRNA responses and pulmonary lesions in allergic mice and thus aggravated allergic respiratory disease. |
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Keywords: | RSV allergy ovalbumin Th1 Th2 cytokines eosinophils IL-4 IL-5 IL-12 IFN-γ |
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