Modulation of allergy incidence in icelandic horses is associated with a change in IL-4-producing T cells ...

• Main Authors: Hamza, E, Doherr, M G, Bertoni, G, Jungi, T W, Marti, E
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Karger 2007
• Subjects: Iceland
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.48350/22245; https://boris.unibe.ch/22245/

BACKGROUND: Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction provoked by insect-derived allergens. Icelandic horses living in Iceland do not have IBH due to absence of relevant insects, but acquire it at high frequency after being imported to mainland Europe. In contrast, their offspring born in mainland Europe has reduced IBH incidence. T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells and cytokines were determined in Icelandic horses born in Iceland and on the continent and which either have IBH or are healthy. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from these horses were stimulated for 18 h during summer and winter with polyclonal T cell stimuli, IBH allergen(s) or irrelevant allergen(s). Cells were analysed by flow cytometry for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4); RNA was analysed for IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 mRNA. RESULTS: During summer, but not during winter, IBH PBMC stimulated polyclonally showed reduced IFN-gamma mRNA and IFN-gamma-producing ...