Korean J Pediatr.  2011 Sep;54(9):373-379. 10.3345/kjp.2011.54.9.373.

Hu.4-1BB-Fc fusion protein inhibits allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

• Kim BJ
• Kwon JW
• Seo JH
• Choi WA
• Kim YJ
• Kang MJ
• Yu J
• Hong SJ

• KMID: 1447899
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2011.54.9.373

Abstract

PURPOSE
4-1BB (CD 137) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T-cells. Repression by 4-1BB is thought to attenuate Th2-mediated allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-1BB on allergic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model.
METHODS
BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Hu.4-1BB-Fc was administered 1 day before the first OVA sensitization or 1 day after the second OVA sensitization. Following antigen challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung pathology was also evaluated.
RESULTS
In mice treated with Hu.4-1BB-Fc before the first OVA sensitization, there was a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, total cell count, and eosinophil count in the BAL fluid. In addition, Hu.4-1BB-Fc treatment decreased serum OVA-specific IgG1 levels and increased serum IgG2a level significantly compared with the corresponding levels in mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Hu.4-1BB-Fc-treated mice also showed suppressed peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, treatment with Hu.4-1BB-Fc 1 day after sensitization had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness and showed less suppression of inflammation in lung tissue.
CONCLUSION
Administration of Hu.4-1BB-Fc can attenuate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. In addition, administration before sensitization may be more effective. These findings suggest that 4-1BB may be a useful therapeutic molecule against asthma.

Keyword

4-1BB (CD137); Asthma; Allergic inflammation; Airway hyperresponsiveness; Mouse

MeSH Terms

Animals
Asthma
Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Cell Count
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Eosinophils
Hypersensitivity
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins
Inflammation
Lung
Methacholine Chloride
Mice
Ovalbumin
Ovum
Repression, Psychology
T-Lymphocytes
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins
Methacholine Chloride
Ovalbumin