Mouse Model of Experimental Asthma Using (1->3)-->-B-D- Glucan Derivatives

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Project Period: 
2006
Project Investigator(s): 
N. Metwali, P. Thorne, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa
Abstract: 

Animal models that mimic the pulmonary features observed in human asthma are important tools to study the mechanism(s) of allergen-induced asthma. (1->3)-B-D-Glucans are fungal cell wall polysaccharides that stimulate innate immune responses and are responsible for bioaerosol-induced respiratory symptoms in both indoor and occupational environments. We propose to examine the interaction between different types of glucan (branched and linear) in C3HeB/FeJ mice. We propose exposure of groups of mice to curdlan as a linear (1->3) glucan, pustulan as a linear (1->6) glucan and scleroglucan and laminarin as (1->3)(1->6) branched glucans. This study will bring new understanding to the role of glucans with differing tertiary structure in the induction of inflammation and specific immunity.