Humanized mouse model of type I allergy
As described previously40,41, NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/Jγc-/- mice were engrafted with PBMC from donors with birch pollen and associated hazelnut allergy and were simultaneously injected with birch pollen extract (=PBMC + birch, allergic positive control) or without (=PBMC, negative control). iTregBet were co-injected at day 0 into animals treated like the allergic positive control. After three weeks, blood samples for human IgE analysis were taken, the mice were challenged rectally with birch pollen or hazelnut extract and the allergen-induced intestinal inflammation was scored endoscopically. On the next day the mice were challenged intranasally with birch pollen extract and allergen-induced airway inflammation was evaluated by measurement of methacholine (MCh)-provoked airway resistance.