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Lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus enhances allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E production in mice
Author(s) -
Matsui K.,
Nishikawa A.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01666.x
Subject(s) - sensitization , lipoteichoic acid , immunoglobulin e , immunology , cd80 , cd40 , staphylococcus aureus , cd86 , antigen , medicine , allergen , lymph , antibody , allergy , immune system , t cell , chemistry , biology , cytotoxic t cell , pathology , bacteria , biochemistry , in vitro , genetics
Summary Background Our previous study demonstrated that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Staphylococcus aureus induced T helper type 2 (Th2)‐prone dermatitis resembling that seen in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients in mice sensitized percutaneously with an allergen. However, the effects of LTA on allergen‐specific IgE production in such sensitized mice have not been elucidated. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LTA from S. aureus on allergen‐specific IgE production in mice sensitized percutaneously with a house dust mite antigen (MA). Methods Mice were sensitized with a single topical application of MA and/or LTA to barrier‐disrupted abdominal skin. One to 5 weeks later, MA‐specific IgE antibodies in sera from sensitized mice were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of B7.1 (CD80), B7.2 (CD86) and CD40L molecules by CD40‐positive (CD40 + ) and CD4‐positive (CD4 + ) cells in the lymph nodes of sensitized mice were analysed by flow‐cytometry (FACS). Results Simultaneous sensitization with MA and LTA increased IgE production 3 weeks later, significantly more than sensitization with MA alone. FACS analysis of CD40 + cells in the lymph nodes from sensitized mice showed that simultaneous sensitization with MA and LTA did not enhance CD80‐ or CD86‐expression by antigen‐presenting cells such as B lymphocytes and dendritic cells more than sensitization with MA alone. However, analysis of CD4 + cells in the lymph nodes showed that simultaneous sensitization with MA and LTA increased the number of CD40L‐expressing Th cells more than sensitization with MA alone. Conclusion These results suggest that LTA enhances allergen‐specific IgE production by a mechanism associated with up‐regulation of CD40L‐expressing Th cells and this might explain the role of skin colonization with S. aureus in AD patients.