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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Immunol Immunopathol / Equine insect bite hypersensitivity: what do we know?
Veterinary immunology and immunopathology2012; 147(3-4); 113-126; doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.03.017

Equine insect bite hypersensitivity: what do we know?

Abstract: Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of the horse caused by bites of insects of the genus Culicoides and is currently the best characterized allergic disease of horses. This article reviews knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of IBH, with a particular focus on the causative allergens. Whereas so far hardly any research has been done on the role of antigen presenting cells in the pathogenesis of IBH, recent studies suggest that IBH is characterized by an imbalance between a T helper 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cell (T(reg)) immune response, as shown both locally in the skin and with stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Various studies have shown IBH to be associated with IgE-mediated reactions against salivary antigens from Culicoides spp. However, until recently, the causative allergens had not been characterized at the molecular level. A major advance has now been made, as 11 Culicoides salivary gland proteins have been identified as relevant allergens for IBH. Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment of IBH. Characterization of the main allergens for IBH and understanding what mechanisms induce a healthy or allergic immune response towards these allergens may help to develop new treatment strategies, such as immunotherapy.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-04-03 PubMed ID: 22575371DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.03.017Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study explores Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH), an allergic disorder in horses induced by insect bites from the Culicoides genus. It dives into the disease’s immune response, unravels the causes, and identifies potential treatment strategies.

Understanding IBH

  • Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic reaction in horses as a result of bites from insects belonging to the Culicoides genus. It manifests as allergic dermatitis and is considered one of the best-understood allergic diseases in horses.
  • The focus of the research is on the underlying causes of allergens that trigger IBH. Prior to this study, minimal research existed concerning the role of antigen-presenting cells in the pathogenesis of IBH.

Immunopathogenesis of IBH

  • Recent research suggests that IBH is marked by an imbalance between two types of immune responses: the T Helper 2 (Th2) and the regulatory T cell (Treg) response. This imbalance is observable both in the skin and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells when stimulated.
  • IBH is linked with IgE-mediated reactions against salivary antigens from Culicoides spp, i.e., the body’s immune response to the antigens present in the insects’ saliva leads to an allergic reaction.

Allergens and Culicoides Salivary Gland Proteins

  • Although research had established the link between IBH and reactions to Culicoides salivary antigens, the specific allergens that trigger such an immune response had not been determined at a molecular level.
  • Progress has been made in this area, with the study identifying 11 proteins in the salivary glands of Culicoides as the relevant allergens causing IBH.

Potential Treatment Strategies

  • Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for IBH in horses.
  • The comprehensive understanding of the allergens causing IBH and the related immune responses combined with newly identified proteins could pave the way for new treatment strategies; one such strategy suggested is immunotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy could potentially involve introducing these allergens in small amounts to the horse’s immune system with the aim of inducing tolerance and reducing allergic reactions over time.

Cite This Article

APA
Schaffartzik A, Hamza E, Janda J, Crameri R, Marti E, Rhyner C. (2012). Equine insect bite hypersensitivity: what do we know? Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 147(3-4), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.03.017

Publication

Veterinary immunology and immunopathology
ISSN: 1873-2534
NlmUniqueID: 8002006
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 147
Issue: 3-4
Pages: 113-126

Researcher Affiliations

Schaffartzik, A
  • Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research-SIAF, University of Zürich, Obere Strasse 22, CH-7270 Davos, Switzerland.
Hamza, E
    Janda, J
      Crameri, R
        Marti, E
          Rhyner, C

            MeSH Terms

            • Allergens / immunology
            • Animals
            • Ceratopogonidae / immunology
            • Ceratopogonidae / pathogenicity
            • Cross Reactions
            • Dermatitis / diagnosis
            • Dermatitis / immunology
            • Dermatitis / therapy
            • Dermatitis / veterinary
            • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
            • Horse Diseases / etiology
            • Horse Diseases / immunology
            • Horse Diseases / therapy
            • Horses
            • Immunotherapy / veterinary
            • Insect Bites and Stings / diagnosis
            • Insect Bites and Stings / immunology
            • Insect Bites and Stings / therapy
            • Insect Bites and Stings / veterinary
            • Insect Proteins / immunology
            • Salivary Proteins and Peptides / immunology
            • Simuliidae / immunology
            • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
            • Th2 Cells / immunology

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