IL-10 Neutralization Attenuates Mast Cell Responses in a Murine Model of Experimental Food Allergy

Abstract

IgE-mediated mast cell (MC) activation is a critical component of allergic responses to oral Ags. Several T cell–derived cytokines have been shown to promote MC reactivity, and we recently demonstrated a critical role for the cytokine IL-10 in mediating MC responses during food allergy. In this study, we further validate the role of IL-10 using Ab-mediated IL-10 depletion. IL-10 neutralization significantly attenuated MC responses, leading to decreased MC accumulation and activation, as well as inhibition of MC-mediated symptoms such as allergic diarrhea. This was accompanied by decreased Th2 cytokine gene expression, attenuated systemic T cell responses, and fewer CD4 T cells, B cells, and MCs in the spleen. Our data further confirm the role of IL-10 in driving MC responses and suggest that IL-10–responsive MCs may constitute an important player in allergic responses.