Recombinant canine IL-13 receptor alpha 2-Fc fusion protein inhibits canine allergen-specific-IgE production in vitro by peripheral blood mononuclearcells from allergic dogs

Human IL-13, like IL-4, is involved in the regulation of B-cell development , IgE synthesis and allergic responses. However, because IL-13 does not aff ect either marine Ig class switching or IgE production in vitro, the use of murine models to study the role of IL-13 in IgE-mediated diseases has been limited. In this communication, we report that recombinant protein of cani ne IL-13 (rcaIL-13) stimulates production of allergen-specific-IgE in vitro by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from flea allergen-sensitized dogs, and that this stimulation activity is specifically inhibited by reco mbinant protein of canine IL-13R alpha2 and Fc fragment of canine IgG heavy chain (rcaIL-13R alpha2-Fc). The data suggest that the regulatory effects of IL-13 on IgE production in canine PBMC are similar to those reported in humans. Thus, canine IL-13 may be a central mediator of allergic diseases i n dogs, and allergic dogs may be excellent models for research on IgE-media ted diseases in humans. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.