Th102 - derp2 and TLR2 Ligand Fusion Protein Ameliorates Allergic Immune Responses in derp2-sensitized Mice

Fang-Yuan Lu – Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science – Chang Gung University; Shih-Jen Liu – Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology – National Health Research Institutes; Chia-Rui Shen – Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science – Chang Gung University

Abstract Text: Derp2, an antigen of house dust mites, appears to induce excess T helper 2 (Th2) associated immune responses and thus results in allergic rhinitis and asthma. Toll-like receptors (TLR) and their signaling pathways have gained attention for their therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases. This study aims to evaluate whether Derp2 and TLR2 ligand fusion protein (lipo-Derp2) is able to ameliorate allergic inflammation and investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of Derp2-induced allergic animals. First, the recombinant Derp2 and lipo-Derp2 as well as the Derp2 extract from house dust mites were recognized by anti-Derp2 antiserum. The lipo-Derp2 appeared to activate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and release interleukin (IL)-12. Remarkably, early exposure to lipo-Derp2 led to significant suppression of the Th2-associated features in the mice receiving Derp2-sensitization. Most importantly, a supplement of lipo-Derp2 was able to reduce the allergic responses, including serum levels of Derp2-specific IgE and eosinophil infiltration in the lung lesions of Derp2-induced allergic animals. Moreover, there appeared to be an elevated serum level of Derp2-specific IgG2a and elicited IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in the mice receiving lipo-Derp2 treatment, indicating provoked Th1, Th17, or both immune responses. These findings suggest that the lipidated allergen platform has great potential in allergy prevention as well as therapy.