The Effect of Bromelain on CD4+ T Cell Function in Asthma

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案描述了自然疗法医师和持牌针灸师Secor博士的发展奖，以成功实现其长期职业目标，即通过转化研究成为专注于天然产品免疫调节作用的独立研究者。这项建议结合了先进的学术，研究培训，优秀的导师和咨询，以促进专业的职业发展。Secor博士已成功完成了NIH/NCCAM F32博士后奖学金在康涅狄格州健康中心的免疫学系的大学。他的研究表明，菠萝蛋白酶（Br），菠萝提取物，通过减少CD 4 + T细胞，嗜酸性粒细胞和Th 2细胞因子，在卵清蛋白（OVA）诱导的过敏性气道疾病（AAD）小鼠模型中发挥抗炎和免疫调节作用。我们已经观察到Br处理降低了CD 4 + T细胞上的关键活化标志物CD 25，以及改变了抗原呈递细胞（APC）如树突状细胞（DC）和B细胞上的MHC-II和CD 86水平。我们假设Br在这种OVA诱导的模型中的治疗益处通过对CD 4 + T细胞的免疫调节作用而发生，具体通过：1）通过IL-2信号传导直接抑制CD 4 + T细胞活化，2）直接抑制抗原呈递细胞（DC和B细胞）。具体目标1将确定在OVA模型的4个阶段（致敏、AAD、连续LIT和不连续AAD）中，Br处理对局部隔室（BAL、肺组织、肺门淋巴结）和全身隔室（腹股沟淋巴结、脾脏）中CD 4 + T细胞和APC的体内影响。具体目标2将通过在OVA模型的4个阶段期间体外处理从局部和全身隔室分离的CD 4 + T细胞、DC和B细胞来确定Br的具体作用机制。具有未知作用机制的植物药被公众广泛用于治疗和管理急性和慢性疾病，如过敏和哮喘。植物及其提取物对免疫系统的影响是一个令人兴奋的新研究领域。这些研究将有助于阐明Br的抗炎作用机制，并为CAM临床医生提供严格的高级培训，所有这些都与NCCAM的使命直接相关。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal describes a development award for Dr. Secor, a Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist, to successfully achieve his long term career goals of becoming an independent investigator focused on the immunomodulatory effects of natural products through translational research. This proposal combines advanced academics, research training, outstanding mentorship and consultation to promote professional career development. Dr. Secor has successfully completed a NIH/NCCAM F32 Post Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Connecticut Health Center in the Department of Immunology. His research has demonstrated that Bromelain (Br), a pineapple extract, exerted anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of allergic airway disease (AAD) via reduced CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, and Th2 cytokines. We have observed that Br treatment reduces CD25, a key activation marker on CD4+ T cells as well as alters MHC-II and CD86 levels on antigen presenting cells (APCs), such as Dendritic Cells (DCs) and B cells. We hypothesize that the therapeutic benefits of Br in this OVA-induced model occur via immunomodulatory effects on CD4+ T cells specifically by: 1) Direct inhibition of CD4+ T cell activation via IL-2 signaling, 2) Direct inhibition of antigen presenting cells (DCs and B cells). Specific Aim 1 will determine the in vivo effects of Br treatment on CD4+ T cells and APCs in local compartments (BAL, lung tissue, hilar lymph nodes) and systemic compartments (inguinal lymph nodes, spleen) at each of the 4 stages of the OVA model: Sensitization, AAD, Continuous LIT and Discontinuous AAD. Specific Aim 2 will determine the specific mechanism(s) of action of Br by in vitro treatment of CD4+ T cells, DCs and B cells isolated from local and systemic compartments during the 4 stages of the OVA model. Botanicals with unknown mechanisms of action are widely used by the general public in the treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions such as allergy and asthma. The effect of botanicals and their extracts on the immune system is an exciting new area of research. These studies will help elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism(s) of action of Br and provide rigorous advanced training to a CAM clinician, all of which are directly relevant to the mission of NCCAM.