Back to Search Start Over

Development of a mini pig model of peanut allergy

Authors :
Akhilesh Kumar Shakya
Brittany Backus
Lazar D. Nesovic
Malini Mallick
Olivia Banister
Carla M. Davis
Sara Anvari
Harvinder Singh Gill
Source :
Frontiers in Allergy, Vol 5 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

IntroductionThe prevalence of peanut allergies is increasing, emphasizing the need for an animal model to enhance our understanding of peanut allergy pathogenesis and to advance diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions. While mice are frequently used as model organisms, their allergic responses do not fully mirror those observed in humans, warranting the exploration of a higher animal model. The porcine gastrointestinal system closely resembles that of humans, and exhibits allergy symptoms akin to human responses, making pigs a promising model for peanut allergy research.MethodsIn this study we compared two allergen sensitization protocols involving either topical allergen application after repeated tape stripping (TS) or intraperitoneal (IP) injections to induce peanut-specific allergy and anaphylaxis reactions in mini pigs. Mini pigs sensitized with a combination of peanut protein extract (PE) and cholera toxin (CT) through either the IP or the TS route.ResultsSensitized pigs via both methods developed systemic PE-specific IgG and IgE responses. Following peanut challenge via the IP route, both TS- and IP-sensitized pigs displayed allergy symptoms, including lethargy, skin rashes, vomiting, and a drop in body temperature. However, respiratory distress was observed exclusively in pigs sensitized through the TS route and not in those sensitized through the IP route. However, it is noteworthy that both groups of sensitized pigs maintained peanut hypersensitivity for up to two months post-sensitization, albeit with a reduction in the severity of allergy symptoms. Importantly, both groups exhibited sustained levels of PE-specific IgG, IgE, and elevated concentrations of mast cell protease in their blood following the IP challenges.DiscussionOverall, this study reports TS and IP as two different modes of sensitization leading to onset of peanut specific allergic reactions in mini pigs, but only the TS-sensitization led to systemic anaphylaxis (simultaneous presence of symptoms: breathing difficulty, intense skin rash, and impaired mobility). A distinctive feature of these sensitization protocols is the 100% success rate (N = 4 pigs per group) in sensitizing the subjects.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26736101
Volume :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Allergy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b3bb571eca674bf4bbf2beeebbc68c77
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/falgy.2024.1278801