Comparative analysis of the role of mast cells in murine asthma models using Kit-sufficient mast cell-deficient animals
Abstract
Background
Asthma is a frequent chronic disease that can potentially severely affect the respiratory capacity and well-being of patients. Mast cells (MCs) are regarded as major players in human asthma due to their capacity to release crucial inflammatory mediators following allergen exposure. However, unambiguous characterization of their role in animal models has long been hindered by the unavailability of specific MC-deficient models lacking confounding MC-unrelated effects. This study aims to examine the role of MCs in Kit-sufficient MC-deficient Cpa3Cre/+ mice.
Methods
We used a variety of models of acute and chronic asthma employing distinct routes and regimes of sensitization. These sensitizations were done via the peritoneal cavity, the skin, or the lung. Additionally, different allergens, i.e. ovalbumin and house dust mite extract, were used.
Results
Our results show that the absence of MCs had no impact on the severity of allergic airway inflammation in any of the tested mouse models, as measured by leukocyte infiltration in the airways, cytokine expression, antibody production, airway hyper-responsiveness and mucus production.
Conclusion
This indicates that MCs do not play a major role in murine allergic airway inflammation. Show more
Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
AllergyVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
WileySubject
allergic airway inflammation; asthma models; Kit-sufficient; mast cellsOrganisational unit
03596 - Kopf, Manfred / Kopf, Manfred
Funding
182829 - Identification of PPARg target genes in macrophages and characterization of their functional roles (SNF)
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ETH Bibliography
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