Nanoparticles Targeting Mast Cells Prevent Allergic Reactions in Mice
Researchers at Northwestern University successfully used a new treatment to prevent anaphylaxis in allergic mice using nanoparticles that targeted the mice' mast cells. These nanoparticles were coated with molecules meant to function as allergens, and another molecule- called Siglec-6 that- that signals mast cells not to react. The result was that the targeted mast cells were deactivated, which protected the mice and kept them from experiencing anaphylaxis. "In one final experiment, mice sensitized to an IgE allergen were given
the nanoparticle infusions with the two antibodies, and exposed to their
allergen. None experienced signs of an allergic reaction."
A fully human anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody 2G4 inhibits proliferation and degranulation of human mast cells
"c-Kit is essential for the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of mast cells. Excessive c-Kit activation triggers various mast cell diseases, such as asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and mastocytosis. Herein, we generated 2G4, an anti-c-Kit antibody, to develop a therapeutic agent for mast cell diseases. The therapeutic efficacy of 2G4 antibody was evaluated in LAD2, a human mast cell line. 2G4 antibody completely inhibited c-Kit signaling by blocking the binding of stem cell factor, known as the c-Kit ligand. Inhibition of c-Kit signaling led to the suppression of proliferation, migration, and degranulation in LAD2 cells. Moreover, 2G4 antibody suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and complement component C5/C5a, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Taken together, these results suggest that 2G4 antibody has potential as a novel therapeutic agent for mast cell diseases. "
