Mechanistic insights into silica nanoparticle–allergen interactions on antigen presenting cell function in the context of allergic reactions
Litty Johnson, Lorenz Aglas, Benjamin Punz, Hieu-Hoa Dang, Constantin Christ, Lisa Pointner, Mario Wenger, Norbert Hofstaetter, Sabine Hofer, Mark Geppert, Ancuela Andosch, Fátima Ferreira, Jutta Horejs‐Hoeck, Albert Duschl, Martin Himly
Abstract
sensitization model, murine Bet v 1-specific IgG and IgE levels were monitored. Upon the interaction of allergens with silica nanoparticles, we observed an enhanced uptake of the allergen by macropinocytosis, improved proteolytic processing, and presentation concomitant with a propensity to increase allergen-specific IgG2a and decrease IgE antibody levels. Together, these events suggest that upon nanoparticle interactions the immune response is biased towards a type 1 inflammatory profile, characterized by the upregulation of T helper 1 (Th1) cells. In conclusion, the interaction of the birch pollen allergen with silica nanoparticles will not worsen allergic sensitization, a state of type 2-inflammation, but rather seems to decrease it by skewing towards a Th1-dominated immune response.