Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in Murine Models

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) in murine models has become indispensable for elucidating the cellular and molecular pathways that underlie immunological tolerance to allergens. Mice sensitised to common aeroallergens or food allergens receive graded administrations of the relevant antigen via subcutaneous, sublingual, intranasal or intra-lymphatic routes, often in combination with adjuvants and carrier systems such as nanoparticles or liposomes. These experiments reveal how AIT shifts the balance from a pathogenic T helper 2 (Th2)–dominated milieu, characterised by elevated IgE, eosinophilia and airway inflammation, towards protective T helper 1 (Th1) and regulatory T cell (Treg) responses. Endpoints include measurements of allergen-specific antibody isotypes, cytokine profiles, cellular infiltration in target organs and restoration of normal tissue function. Insights gained from murine AIT inform the design of hypoallergenic vaccine formulations, novel adjuvants and delivery platforms, and facilitate translation into human trials aimed at durable desensitisation and long-term immune tolerance.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that conjugation of immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides to biodegradable nanoparticles markedly enhances efficacy of pulmonary AIT. In a house dust mite–sensitised mouse model, nanoparticle-CpG complexes recruited activated dendritic cells, promoted Th1 cytokine production and more effectively suppressed eosinophilia, IgE levels and airway mucus compared with free CpG, both in prophylactic and therapeutic settings. Another line of investigation employed liposome-entrapped vaccines linking regulatory T cell epitopes (Tregitopes) to a major cockroach allergen. Intranasal administration of these Tregitope–allergen constructs induced IL-10, TGF-β and IL-35 expression, expanded Foxp3⁺ Treg populations in lung tissue and reversed allergen-driven respiratory remodelling more effectively than allergen alone. Together, these foundational works underline the potential of particle-based delivery and incorporation of regulatory epitopes to achieve robust immune deviation and long-lasting tolerance in allergen-primed mice.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in Murine Models publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in allergen-specific immunotherapy in murine models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (AIT): Treatment involving gradual administration of an allergen to induce immune tolerance.

Murine Model: Laboratory mouse system used to study human disease mechanisms and treatments.

Th2 Response: T helper 2 cell–mediated immunity driving IgE production and allergic inflammation.

Th1 Response: T helper 1 cell–mediated immunity promoting cell-mediated protection and counteracting Th2.

Regulatory T Cell (Treg): Subset of T cells that produce IL-10 and TGF-β to suppress allergic inflammation.

Nanoparticle: Submicrometre carrier that enhances delivery and immunomodulatory properties of vaccines.

Adjuvant: Substance co-administered with an antigen to enhance immune response quality and duration.

References

1. Nanoparticle conjugation enhances the immunomodulatory effects of intranasally delivered CpG in house dust mite-allergic mice. Scientific Reports (2015).
2. Tregitope-linked Refined Allergen Vaccines for Immunotherapy in Cockroach Allergy. Scientific Reports (2018).
3. Modulation of immune response by nanoparticle-based immunotherapy against food allergens. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
4. Nanotechnology-Based Vaccines for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Potentials and Challenges of Conventional and Novel Adjuvants under Research. Vaccines (2020).
5. Mechanisms of Particles in Sensitization, Effector Function and Therapy of Allergic Disease. Frontiers in Immunology (2020).