Influence of environmental and genetic factors on allergen-specific immunoglobulin-E levels in sera from Lipizzan horses.
Abstract: To investigate whether allergen-specific IgE production is influenced by environmental and genetic factors, IgE levels against 2 mould extracts (Alternaria alternata [Alt a] and Aspergillus fumigatus [Asp f]) and against recombinant (r) rAlt a 1, rAsp f 7 and rAsp f 8 were determined by ELISA in sera from 448 Lipizzan horses living in 6 studfarms. Statistical evaluation showed a significant effect of studfarm-specific environment on IgE levels against the different allergens, but genetic factors also influenced allergen-specific IgE production: an heritability of 0.33 was found for IgE levels against the 2 mould extracts and of 0.21 for rAsp f 8-specific IgE. Heritability estimates for rAlt a 1- and rAsp f 7-specific IgE were negligible. Investigations for a possible association between Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I antigens and specific IgE levels were carried out. The most consistent significant association was found between the equine leucocyte antigen (ELA) A8 and undetectable IgE titres against rAsp f 7 and rAsp f 8. Significant ELA associations were also demonstrated between ELA A1 and higher specific IgE levels, between ELA A14 and lower IgE levels against the mould extracts and in one studfarm between ELA Be27 and lower Aspergillus-specific IgE levels.
Publication Date: 2002-01-05 PubMed ID: 11770995DOI: 10.2746/042516401776249264Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research tried to understand how environmental factors and genetic backgrounds influence the production of specific allergy-related antibodies in Lipizzan horses. It emphasized a significant influence of environmental factors such as specific studfarm conditions as well as genetic heritability. Also, specific horse immune system-related genes were associated with different levels of these antibodies.
Study Design and Methods
- The study included 448 Lipizzan horses from 6 different studfarms.
- The researchers tested the horses’ blood samples for levels of IgE, a type of antibody produced during allergic reactions, against two mould extracts (Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus) and three recombinant allergens from these moulds.
- All these measurements were performed using ELISA, a common laboratory technique used to measure antibody levels.
Findings
- The study found that both the horses’ environment (specifically, the conditions at each studfarm) and their genetic makeup influenced their production of allergen-specific IgE levels.
- Heritability, or the proportion of observed differences that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors, was found to be 0.33 for IgE levels against the two mould extracts and 0.21 for one of the recombinant allergens.
- However, heritability was negligible for the other two recombinant allergens.
Role of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
- The researchers also explored the association between MHC class I antigens and the specific IgE levels. MHC class I antigens are molecules that present antigens to the immune cells and play a crucial role in immune response.
- The most significant association was between the equine leucocyte antigen (ELA) A8 and undetectable IgE levels against two of the recombinant allergens.
- Other significant associations observed included ELA A1 and higher IgE levels, ELA A14 and lower IgE levels against the mould extracts, and in one studfarm, ELA Be27 was associated with lower Aspergillus-specific IgE levels.
Significance of the Study
- The findings underscore the role of both environmental and genetic factors in allergic response in horses.
- The observed associations between specific MHC class I antigens and different IgE levels could echo the genetic influence on an allergic reaction.
- This study can help in the understanding of the allergic reaction in horses and may guide the development of better diagnostic tools or treatments for horse allergies.
Cite This Article
APA
Eder C, Curik I, Brem G, Crameri R, Bodo I, Habe F, Lazary S, Sölkner J, Marti E.
(2002).
Influence of environmental and genetic factors on allergen-specific immunoglobulin-E levels in sera from Lipizzan horses.
Equine Vet J, 33(7), 714-720.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776249264 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Immunogenetics, Institute of Animal Breeding, Berne, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Alternaria / immunology
- Animals
- Aspergillus fumigatus / immunology
- Breeding
- Environmental Exposure
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
- Female
- Genes, MHC Class I / genetics
- Genes, MHC Class I / immunology
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / genetics
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horses
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate / etiology
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate / veterinary
- Immunoglobulin E / blood
- Immunoglobulin E / immunology
- Linear Models
- Male
- Regression Analysis
- Sex Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- White S, Moore-Colyer M, Marti E, Coüetil L, Hannant D, Richard EA, Alcocer M. Development of a comprehensive protein microarray for immunoglobulin E profiling in horses with severe asthma.. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Sep;33(5):2327-2335.
- Schurink A, da Silva VH, Velie BD, Dibbits BW, Crooijmans RPMA, Franҫois L, Janssens S, Stinckens A, Blott S, Buys N, Lindgren G, Ducro BJ. Copy number variations in Friesian horses and genetic risk factors for insect bite hypersensitivity.. BMC Genet 2018 Jul 30;19(1):49.
- Sabban S, Ye H, Helm B. Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI.. J Vis Exp 2014 Nov 1;(93):e52222.
- Sarmiento J, Perez B, Morales N, Henriquez C, Vidal L, Folch H, Galecio JS, Morán G. Apoptotic effects of tamoxifen on leukocytes from horse peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.. Vet Res Commun 2013 Dec;37(4):333-8.
- Moran G, Folch H, Henriquez C, Ortloff A, Barria M. Reaginic antibodies from horses with recurrent airway obstruction produce mast cell stimulation.. Vet Res Commun 2012 Dec;36(4):251-8.
- Moran G, Buechner-Maxwell VA, Folch H, Henriquez C, Galecio JS, Perez B, Carrasco C, Barria M. Increased apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes in the airways of horses with recurrent airway obstruction.. Vet Res Commun 2011 Oct;35(7):447-56.
- Morán G, Folch H, Araya O, Burgos R, Barria M. Detection of reaginic antibodies against Faenia rectivirgula from the serum of horses affected with Recurrent Airway Obstruction by an in vitro bioassay.. Vet Res Commun 2010 Dec;34(8):719-26.
- Morán G, Burgos R, Araya O, Folch H. In vitro bioassay to detect reaginic antibodies from the serum of horses affected with recurrent airway obstruction.. Vet Res Commun 2010 Jan;34(1):91-9.
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