We have previously shown that infection with certain protozoa and helminths, such as Toxoplasma gondii or Oesophagostomum dentatum prevented allergic immune responses and airway inflammation in a mouse model of type I allergy. In continuation of these studies we now demonstrate that the application of extracts from these parasites also reduce airway inflammation along with decreased levels of IL-5 and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage. Moreover, we show that upon heat-inactivation the suppressive effect of O.dentatum is stabile, whereas T. gondii extract loses its immunomodulatory potential. Further aim in this study therefore is to identify, characterize and produce T. gondii- and O. dentatum-derived molecules with these immunomodulatory properties.
For this purpose the extracts of both parasites are being fractionized and biochemically characterized with different techniques such as normal- and reversed-phase HPLC, 2D gel electrophoresis, followed by MALDI-TOF-MS and ESI-MS/MS in order to identify specific compounds with immunomodulatory/anti-allergic properties. The most promising candidates will be purified/ produced and tested in vitro and in vivo aiming to use them as adjuvants in future allergy vaccines.
Supported by FWF (SFB F46)