Gp120 reduces AHR and airway inflammation in a humanized mouse model of allergic asthma through activation of regulatory T cells

Within this study we established a humanized mouse model of allergic asthma in immune deficient NOD-Scid gc–/– mice. For reconstitution of the animals we transferred 5 million peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from allergic donors with sensitization against birch pollen intraperitoneally. The injection of PBMC together with birch and IL-4 followed by intranasal allergen challenge increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation after three weeks of engraftment. Recently it was shown that the HIV envelope protein gp120 functionally activates regulatory T cells (Tregs) through binding to…