RECOMBINANT INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST PROTEIN PREVENTS SENSITIZATION AND INTESTINAL ANAPHYLAXIS IN GUINEA-PIGS

Recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (rIRAP, 0.5 mg/k g) administered intraperitoneally in guinea pigs one hour before prima ry and booster parenteral sensitization (1 ml) by cow milk, led to a r educed immunoglobulin E (IgE) production, as displayed by a passive cu taneous anaphylaxis test. rIRAP administered intraperitoneally in sens itized guinea pigs at 0.5 mg/kg 10 min before challenge administration (B-lactoglobulin, 100 mg per os), also prevents the colonic motor and secretory changes induced by intestinal anaphylaxis. These results su ggest the involvement of interleukin-1 in food allergy and evidence a double protective role for rIRAP in food hypersensitivity.