Inhibition of Murine Allergic Response by Monoclonal Interleukin-4 Receptor Antibody

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several strategies were used to control the IgE production by interfering the functional activities of IL-4. However, most of them revealed limited effects to reduction of allergic response. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) antibody on allergic response in animal model of allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male BALB/C mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA). IL-4R antibody was injected intravenously before intranasal challenge of OVA with ultrasonic nebulizer. Allergic symptoms, a number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa and serum level of OVA-specific IgE were evaluated. RESULTS: In IL-4R antibody treated mice, allergic symptom score were decreased (53.5%) than in control mice. The number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa were also reduced (47.4%). However, serum level of OVA-specific IgE were not obviously reduced (14.3%). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that IL-4R antibody has a potential effect for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in vivo.