Der p 23, A Frequent IgE Sensitizer in Humans, Induces Airway Inflammation in Mice

Der p 23 induces a high-frequency sensitization in allergic individuals. However, its allergenic activity and clinical impact are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the ability of rDer p 23 to induce allergic inflammation in a mouse model and to test IgE reactivity in humans. Female Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with rDer p 23 and <i>Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus</i> extract. Specific antibodies were determined by ELISA, inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cells hyperplasia were evaluated by lung histology, and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) was assessed by the FinePoint RC System^TM and whole-body plethysmography (WBP). IgE reactivity was evaluated by ELISA, the basophils activation test (BAT) and the skin pick test (SPT) in humans. rDer p 23, produced in <i>Escherichia coli</i>, adopts a random coil structure, predominantly exists in a monomeric state, and exhibits high stability. rDer p 23-treated mice showed a significant increase in lung resistance and bronchial hyperreactivity, as well as in eosinophils, neutrophils, and T cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Cytokine and antibodies profiles were biased to a Type-2 response. No significant difference was observed in group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC-2s) in lung and regulatory T cells (Treg) in the spleen. In asthmatic individuals sensitized to <i>D. pteronyssinus</i>, serum IgE reactivity to rDer p 23 was 67.5%. BAT and SPT results were significantly higher in allergic patients. Our findings support the pro-allergenic role of rDer p 23 in the development of the pathological features of asthma.