EXPERIMENTAL MONKEY MODEL SENSITIZED WITH MITE ANTIGEN

Background: Monkeys are considered to have an immune system very simil ar to that of humans, as compared with mice, rats, and guinea pigs. Al though primate allergic models to several pollen allergens have been d eveloped, no model of house dust mite allergy has been reported. In th is study, we attempted to induce type I allergy to mite allergens in r hesus monkeys. Methods: Six rhesus monkeys were immunized subcutaneous ly with crude mite extract adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide for 4 months . Then 5 monkeys positive for IgE production to mite extract were furt her immunized subcutaneously and conjunctivally with recombinant Der f 2 (rDer f2). The status of sensitization to mite extract and rDer f2 i n monkeys was examined before and after the immunization. Plasma antig en-specific IgE and IgG levels, cutaneous reaction, and histamine rele ase from peripheral blood leukocytes were measured. After conjunctival immunization, immediate conjunctivitis and leukocyte influx into conj unctiva after rDer f2 challenge were examined. Results: After immuniza tion with crude mite extract, 5 of 6 sensitized monkeys showed IgE res ponse to the mite, and 4 out of 5 rDer f2-sensitized monkeys exhibited IgE production to rDer f2. Three monkeys sensitized with rDer f2 show ed immediate conjunctivitis and conjunctival eosinophilia after applyi ng rDer f2 to their eyes. Sensitized animals also showed IgG response to mite antigens. Conclusion: Four rhesus monkeys were positive for Ig E production and allergic reactions to both mite extract and rDer f2. These monkeys could represent a useful model for studying the developm ent and regulation of house dust mite allergy.