ABSTRACT
Background: We have previously reported that immunization with GRA2 antigen of Toxoplasma gondii induces protective immunity in CBA/J [H2k] and BALB/c mice [H2d]. We aimed to examine whether immunization of a distinct strain of rodent with recombinant dense granule antigens [GRA2] combined with monophosphorryl lipid A [MPL] adjuvant elicits protective immune response against T. gondii
Methods: C57BL/6 [H2b haplotype] mice were immunized with GRA2, formulated in MPL adjuvant
Results: Strong humoral response, predominantly of IgG1 subclass and cellular response, IFN-gamma, was detected at three weeks post immunization. Mice immunized with GRA2 had significantly [p < 0.01] fewer brain cysts than those in the adjuvant group, upon challenge infection. Despite the production of a strong antibody response, IFN-gamma production and brain cyst reduction were not significant when the immunized mice were infected four months after the immunization
Conclusions: We can conclude that GRA2 immunization partially protects against T. gondii infection in C57BL/6 mice, though the potency and longevity of this antigen as a standalone vaccine may vary in distinct genetic backgrounds. This observation further emphasizes the utility of GRA2 for incorporation into a multi-antigenic vaccine against T. gondii
ABSTRACT
Background: Black Seed [BS] is used in traditional medicine as a therapy for a variety of diseases including allergic asthma
Materials and Methods: In the present study, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of BS on cytokine gene expression, lung airway eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia were examined in a mouse mice model of allergic asthma. Groups of 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injections of OVA plus alum on days 1 and 14. On days 24, 26, 28 and 30, the mice were exposed to OVA in saline for 30 min with nebulizer. Similar experiments were conducted with mice receiving saline as a negative control
Results: The mouse allergic asthma model received BS by food on days 23, 25, 27 and 29. Then, the percentage of inflammatory cells as well as mRNA expression levels of interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-13 and mucin [MUC5a] genes were survived in Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid [BALF]. Furthermore, we attempted to examine histopathological examination of the lung. Mice receiving BS showed a significant decrease in the number of eosinophils, and a potential inhibitory effect on mRNA expression levels of Th2-driven immune response cytokines and mucin, resulting in decreased production of interleukin and mucin in allergic asthma
Conclusion: Our findings suggested that BS has an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect during the allergic response in the lung, and can be a promising treatment for allergic asthma in humans