Comparative Immunotherapeutic Effects of Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 38 in a Murine Model of <i>Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus</i> -induced Eosinophilic Asthma

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease triggered by sensitization to house dust mites.Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 38 are major allergens derived from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP).This study compared the immunotherapeutic effects of DP extract and individual Der p allergens in allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for DP-induced eosinophilic asthma.Methods: A DP-induced eosinophilic asthma model was established in six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice through DP sensitization and challenge.Immunoglobulin levels, including IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a, as well as cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-13 (IL-13), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: DP exposure markedly increased inflammatory cell infiltration, predominantly eosinophils, and induced mucus hypersecretion with goblet cell hyperplasia.DP-based AIT reduced airway inflammation, mucus production, IgE, and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13).AIT with Der p 1 and the recombinant Der p 38 mutant protein (D141A) showed stronger inhibitory effects than DP-based AIT.Der p 2 significantly reduced mucus hypersecretion.Both DP-based and Der p-based AIT decreased IgE and Th2 cytokine levels with comparable effects.Notably, D141A-based AIT induced a greater increase in total IgG1 levels.Conclusion: Der p allergens attenuated the allergenic activity of DP and showed comparable immunotherapeutic effects.These findings suggest that combinations of Der p allergens may represent promising candidates for AIT in various asthma phenotypes.