Ragweed pollen induces allergic conjunctivitis immune tolerance in mice via regulation of the NF-κB signal pathway

Aim: To investigate the feasibility and mechanism of immune tolerance in allergic conjunctivitis.

Methods: The allergic conjunctivitis immune tolerance mice model was established by ragweed pollen (RW) and the related cytokines were detected. The mice were divided into 9 groups and the maslinic acid (MA) or PBS were given for different group after modeling. The expression levels of chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and P-65 in the conjunctival tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The percentage of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and CD4+CD25+ in the splenocyte supernatant was analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the serum and splenocyte supernatant concentration of total-IgE, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-17 was analyzed by enzyme linked immune response (ELISA).

Results: After the model was established, symptoms of conjunctivitis were alleviated, the level of P-65, CCL5, IL-17, and total-IgE was raised, while the expression of IL-10, CD4+CD25+ was decreased. This result fully demonstrated that a typical IL-17/regulatory-T-cells (Treg cells) imbalance and NF-κB activation. When the NF-κB signal pathway was suppressed, it showed that there was a further relief of conjunctivitis in mice. At the same time, the expression of total-IgE, IL-17, and CCL5 was decreased and the expression of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10, CD4+CD25+) was increased.

Conclusion: In the state of immune tolerance, symptoms of conjunctivitis in mice are alleviated, the Th-17 cells of allergic conjunctivitis mice are inhibited, and Treg cells activity is enhanced.