Peach extract induces systemic and local immune responses in an experimental food allergy model

Abstract

Peach allergy is among the most frequent food allergies in the Mediterranean area, often eliciting severe anaphylactic reactions in patients. Due to the risk of severe symptoms, studies in humans are limited, leading to a lack of therapeutic options. This study aimed to develop a peach allergy mouse model as a tool to better understand the pathomechanism and to allow preclinical investigations on the development of optimized strategies for immunotherapy. CBA/J mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with peach extract or PBS, using alum as adjuvant. Afterwards, extract was administered intragastrically to involve the intestinal tract. Allergen provocation was performed via intraperitoneal injection of extract, measuring drop of body temperature as main read out of anaphylaxis. The model induced allergy-related symptoms in mice, including decrease of body temperature. Antibody levels in serum and intestinal homogenates revealed a Th2 response with increased levels of mMCPT-1, peach- and Pru p 3-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a as well as increased levels of IL-4 and IL-13. FACS analysis of small intestine lamina propria revealed increased amounts of T cells, neutrophils and DCs in peach allergic mice. These data suggest the successful establishment of a peach allergy mouse model, inducing systemic as well as local gastrointestinal reactions.