Oral Administration of a N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine Polymer Particles Down- Regulates Airway Allergic Responses

摘要

This is an annual report of the 1st grant year. Since PI and Research Associates moved to the new Institute September 2003, the transfer of grantee institute is under processing. We established chitin particle preparations from 4 different sources and selected one preparation that expresses the highest Th1 adjuvant activity. We completed the preparation at amounts necessary for this entire project. Mycobacterial components, Th1 adjuvants, have been proposed to use for the down-regulation of allergic responses. However, our studies (Task 2) indicate that, unlike chitin Th1 adjuvant, mycobacterial components induce PGE2- releasing macrophages in the spleen and a Th1-to-Th2 shift of immune responses. Our results suggest that mycobacterial components are unreliable for long-term uses as a Th1 adjuvant.