T-cell epitope analysis of Mag 3, an important allergen from the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is an adapter protein that modulates G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. It also regulates the functions and activity of other intracellular proteins in many cell types. Accordingly, GRK2 is thought to contribute to disease progression by a variety of mechanisms related to its multifunctional roles. Indeed, GRK2 levels are enhanced in patient samples as well as in preclinical models of several diseases. We have previously shown that GRK2 regulates mast cell functions, and thereby contributes to exacerbated inflammation during allergic reactions. In the current study, we observed that GRK2 levels are enhanced in the lungs of human asthma patients and in mice sensitized to house dust mite extract (HDME) allergen. Consistent with these findings, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels were reduced in the lungs of GRK2+/− mice in a HMDE mouse model of asthma. Because Th2 cells are the major source of these cytokines during asthma, we determined the role of GRK2 in regulating T cell-specific responses in our HMDE mouse model. We observed a significant reduction of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung eosinophil and lymphocyte counts, serum IgE, Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus production in mice that had reduced GRK2 expression specifically in T cells. Collectively, our studies reveal an important role for GRK2 in regulating T cell response during asthma pathogenesis and further elucidation of the mechanisms through which GRK2 modulates airway inflammation will lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for asthma.

Download Full-text

Linked Suppression in Peripheral T Cell Tolerance to the House Dust Mite Derived Allergen Der p 1

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology ◽

10.1159/000024046 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 118 (2-4) ◽

pp. 122-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Gerard F. Hoyne ◽

Margaret J. Dallman ◽

Jonathan R. Lamb

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

House Dust ◽

House Dust Mite ◽

T Cell Tolerance ◽

Cell Tolerance ◽

Dust Mite ◽

Der P 1 ◽

Linked Suppression

Download Full-text

Acaricidal activities of traditional Chinese medicine against the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182009991879 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 137 (6) ◽

pp. 975-983 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

HAI-QIANG WU ◽

JING LI ◽

ZHEN-DAN HE ◽

ZHI-GANG LIU

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Ethyl Acetate ◽

Petroleum Ether ◽

House Dust ◽

House Dust Mite ◽

Petroleum Ether Extract ◽

House Dust Mites ◽

Dermatophagoides Farinae ◽

Dust Mite

SUMMARYObjective. This paper assessed the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations for using as environmentally acceptable and alternative commercial acaricides. Methods. 22 kinds of TCM, which contained abundant essential oils and showed insecticidal effects, were collected. Samples extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol were tested against house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae and their toxicity assessed. Results. The results showed that 3 TCM of Cinnamonum cassia, Eugenia caryophyllata and Pogostemon cablin have higher activity, and the parallel tests showed that the petroleum ether extract had higher activities (0·0046 mg/cm2, 0·005 mg/cm2 and 0·006 mg/cm2 respectively, 24 h, LD50) than the extracts of ethyl acetate and methanol. The acaricidal activity of the ethyl acetate extracts from C. cassia, P. cablin and Asarum sieboldii (0·00144 mg/cm2, 0·00347 mg/cm2 and 0·05521 mg/cm2 respectively, 24 h, LD50) were almost comparable to that of benzyl benzoate and dibutyl phthalate. However, the methanolic extracts of were less effective. Conclusions. This study shows the use of extracts with petroleum ether of C. cassia, P. cablin and E. caryophyllata as eco-friendly biodegradable agents for the control of the house dust mite.

Download Full-text