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BMC veterinary research2017; 13(1); 117; doi: 10.1186/s12917-017-1037-0

Modulatory role of regulatory T cells in a murine model of severe equine asthma.

Abstract: It is accepted that T regulatory cells (Treg) control different types of immune responses. In connection with this role, we have recently described an important increase in CD4+, CD25, Foxp3+ lymphocytes in the airway system of horses coursing with an exacerbation of severe equine asthma (EA). To explore the potential role of this population in the resolution of EA inflammation, we used a murine experimental model in which airway neutrophilic inflammation, which is similar to that observed in EA, is induced in mice by continual exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus contaminated hay. This model has the advantage that in mice we may induce a reduction of the Treg population using low doses of cyclophosphamide (Cy). Results: The results indicated that the percentage of Treg cells increased with allergen exposure, as in horses; and animals partially depleted of Treg cells by treatment with Cy showed increased airway inflammation, demonstrated by an increased percentage of neutrophils and specific immunoglobulins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Furthermore, a histopathologic study of animals that were pretreated with Cy before antigenic challenge showed higher cellular infiltration in the lung and deeper remodeling changes in the bronchi, including epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia as well as airway smooth muscle hypertrophy. Conclusions: In this murine model of EA, the reduced number and function of Treg induced by low doses of Cy, which directly correlates with increased airway inflammation and lung infiltration, indicates that Treg may play a major role in the regulation and resolution of EA.
Publication Date: 2017-04-28 PubMed ID: 28454585PubMed Central: PMC5410054DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1037-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research article investigates the role of T regulatory cells (Treg) in controlling inflammation in severe equine asthma (EA), using a mouse model exposed to allergens. The study finds that reducing the Treg population results in increased airway inflammation and lung infiltration, suggesting that Treg plays a significant role in managing and resolving EA.

Objective of the Study

  • The goal of this study was to understand the role of T regulatory cells (Treg) in the resolution of severe equine asthma (EA). The researchers hypothesized that Treg cells play a crucial role in moderating immune responses, including the inflammation present in EA.

Study Design

  • The researchers used a murine (mouse) model for their experiment, where the mice were continually exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus, an allergen present in hay. This allergen induces an inhalation threat similar to EA in horses.
  • The model was designed to mimic the effects of EA, allowing researchers to manipulate the Treg population through the administration of low doses of cyclophosphamide (Cy), a drug known to decrease Treg cells.

Results of the Study

  • The study results indicated that continuous allergen exposure increased the percentage of Treg cells, mirroring the effects seen in horses suffering from EA.
  • Mice that received treatment with Cy, resulting in a partial depletion of Treg cells, displayed increased airway inflammation. This inflammation was evidenced by a higher percentage of neutrophils and specific immunoglobulins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), which is a fluid derived from the lungs.
  • A histopathological examination of mice pretreated with Cy before allergen exposure showed increased cellular infiltration in the lungs and more extensive changes in the bronchi, including epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and airway smooth muscle hypertrophy.

Conclusion of the Study

  • The study concluded that Treg cells play a major role in regulating and resolving the inflammation associated with EA. The reduction of Treg cells, facilitated by low doses of Cy, correlated with increased airway inflammation and lung infiltration.
  • This research suggests potential future treatment approaches for EA could involve therapeutic methods to increase the population of Treg cells or enhance their function.

Cite This Article

APA
Henríquez C, Morán G, Carrasco C, Sarmiento J, Barría M, Folch H, Uberti B. (2017). Modulatory role of regulatory T cells in a murine model of severe equine asthma. BMC Vet Res, 13(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-1037-0

Publication

ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 117
PII: 117

Researcher Affiliations

Henríquez, Claudio
  • Pharmacology and Morphophysiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Morán, Gabriel
  • Pharmacology and Morphophysiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. gmoran@uach.cl.
Carrasco, Cristian
  • Pathology Department, Regional Hospital of Valdivia, Valdivia, Chile.
Sarmiento, José
  • Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Barría, Miguel
  • Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Folch, Hugo
  • Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Uberti, Benjamin
  • Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.

MeSH Terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animal Feed / microbiology
  • Animals
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / immunology
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / veterinary
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / immunology
  • Horses
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Marín-Prida J, Pavón-Fuentes N, Lagumersindez-Denis N, Camacho-Rodríguez H, García-Soca AM, Sarduy-Chávez RC, Vieira ÉLM, Carvalho-Tavares J, Falcón-Cama V, Fernández-Massó JR, Hernández-González I, Martínez-Donato G, Guillén-Nieto G, Pentón-Arias E, Teixeira MM, Pentón-Rol G. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms and pharmacological actions of phycocyanobilin in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: A therapeutic promise for multiple sclerosis.. Front Immunol 2022;13:1036200.
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