A Fusion Protein of Derp2 Allergen and Flagellin Suppresses Experimental Allergic Asthma

Abstract

Purpose The house dust mite (HDM) is one of the most important sources of indoor allergens and a significant cause of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Our previous studies demonstrated that Vibrio vulnificus flagellin B (FlaB) plus allergen as a co-treatment mixture improved lung function and inhibited eosinophilic airway inflammation through the Toll-like receptor 5 signaling pathway in an ovalbumin (OVA)- or HDM-induced mouse asthma model. In the present study, we fused the major mite allergen Derp2 to FlaB and compared the therapeutic effects of the Derp2-FlaB fusion protein with those of a mixture of Derp2 and FlaB in a Derp2-induced mouse asthma model. Methods BALB/c mice sensitized with Derp2 + HDM were treated with Derp2, a Derp2 plus FlaB (Derp2 + FlaB) mixture, or the Derp2-FlaB fusion protein 3 times at 1-week intervals. Seven days after the final treatment, the mice were challenged intranasally with Derp2, and airway responses and Derp2-specific immune responses were evaluated. Results The Derp2-FlaB fusion protein was significantly more efficacious in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness, lung eosinophil infiltration, and Derp2-specific IgE than the Derp2 + FlaB mixture. Conclusions The Derp2-FlaB fusion protein showed a strong anti-asthma immunomodulatory capacity, leading to the prevention of airway inflammatory responses in a murine disease model through the inhibition of Th2 responses. These findings suggest that the Derp2-FlaB fusion protein would be a promising vaccine candidate for HDM-mediated allergic asthma therapy.

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy by recombinant Der P1 allergen‐derived peptide‐based vaccine in an allergic mouse model

“…which is in accordance with the findings of Xiao-Dong et al (Figure 5). 19,32 Therefore, in accordance with the results of Fanuel et al study, HDM extract induced the lowest specific antibodies to peptide vaccine and Der p1, indicating the superiority of peptide vaccines over HDM extract. Hence, hypoallergens might be potentially useful for prophylactic purposes as they cannot induce allergen-specific T-cell responses.…”

Allergic Rhinitis Improvement in Asthmatic Children After Using Acaricidal Bait: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Placebo Study

“…The occurrence and severity of allergy symptoms are related to exposure to environmental allergens. HDMs are common allergens that cause AR and asthma attacks in children ( 10 ). Avoiding allergen exposure is the basic principle in the treatment of allergic diseases.…”

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen Der p 22: Cloning, expression, IgE‐binding in asthmatic children, and immunogenicity

“…Following published protocols, 15,16 we assessed the immunogenicity of recombinant protein rDer p 22 in mice. Six‐ to eight‐week‐old female BALB/c mice (purchased from Shanghai Laboratory Animal Center, SLAC) were maintained in a pathogen‐free facility, and experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Ethic Committee at The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.…”