Particulate allergens aggravate allergic asthma in mice

摘要

Ambient inhalable particulate matter acts as an efficient carrier of allergens allowing penetration deep into the distal airways. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between the increased incidence of asthma and levels of ambient particulate matter from air pollutants. Most experimental models investigating the pathogenesis of allergic asthma have used soluble allergens (sAgs) whereas knowledge is limited regarding the responses evoked by particulate allergens (pAgs). In this study, pathological responses to sAgs were compared with the same amount of allergens adsorbed on to the surface of polystyrene particles, in sensitised mice.