Role of Epi p 1 In Allergic Inflammation

Article Outline

• Rationale
• Methods
• Results
• Conclusions
• Copyright

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Rationale 

Studies with mites suggest role of enzyme allergens in inducing inflammation in allergic airway disease. The present study was aimed to elucidate the role of Epi p 1, a subtilisin like serine protease of Epicoccum purpurascens in allergic inflammation in murine model.

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Methods 

Balb/c mice were immunized (i.p./s.c.) with active (AP) and inactivated protease (IAP), Ovalbumin (OVA), saline for three weeks and challenged (i.n.) with immunizing antigen. The mice were sacrificed to obtain blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), spleen and lungs for immuno-biochemical experiments.

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Results 

Total cell number and eosinophil counts in BALF and lung tissue of AP group mice were significantly higher than in IAP group mice (P < 0.01). Mice immunized with AP demonstrated elevated Epi p 1 specific serum IgE and IgG1 as compared to IAP immunized mice (P < 0.005). AP immunized mice showed significantly higher IL-4 in BALF and splenocyte culture supernatant than IAP mice (P < 0.05). Lung histology revealed increased leukocyte infiltration and airway narrowing with higher inflammation score in AP group mice than in IAP group mice (HE staining). Periodic acid-Schiff stained sections of AP group mice showed increased mucus content and goblet cell metaplasia than in IAP immunized mice. Significantly greater eosinophil peroxidase was recorded in BALF and lung homogenate of AP group mice than in samples of IAP group mice (P < 0.05). This confirmed induction of more pronounced allergic response in these mice.

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Conclusions 

Proteolytic activity of Epi p 1 seems important in inducing allergic inflammation and the inactivated form may be investigated for clinical use.