House dust mite induces pulmonary T helper 2 cytokine production (in mice)

Up to 40% of the world's population has been diagnosed with an allergic disease. The most prevalent allergy is to house dust mites (http://buff.ly/1jSF5Y6). Inhaled house dust mite (HDM) results in T-helper (TH) 2 type pathology in unsensitized mice. It also induces airway hyperreactivity and airway remodelling.

In this study, mice were exposed to soluble HDM extract for 3 weeks.

Th2 cytokines were increased in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung after HDM challenge. The levels of cytokines and chemokines correlated with the influx of eosinophils and Th2 cells. Production of key cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 preceded the increase in airways resistance.

The study authors concluded that inhaled HDM challenge induces a classical Th2 inflammatory mediator profile in the BAL and lung.

House dust mite sensitization in toddlers predicts wheeze at age 12 years (JACI, 2011).

Dust mite, more than foods, may be the major cause of allergic atopic dermatitis (http://goo.gl/48TgN).

References:

Inhaled house dust mite induces pulmonary T helper 2 cytokine production. L. G. Gregory et al. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 06/2009.

Millions suffer 'home fever' as allergy epidemic begins to bite - dust mites account for 58% of household allergies. The Independent, 2011.