Enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of asthma with
A(H1N1)pdm09 infection
Abstract
Background: Severe asthma exacerbation is an important
comorbidity of the 2009 HIN1 pandemic [A(H1N1)pdm09] in asthmatic
patients. However, the mechanisms underlying severe asthma exacerbation
remain unknown. Using a mouse model of asthma, we evaluated airway
hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in mice with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and those
with seasonal influenza for comparison. We also measured AHR in
paediatric participants infected with A(H1N1)pdm09. Methods:
BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were sensitized and challenged with
ovalbumin. Either mouse-adapted A(H1N1)pdm09, seasonal H1N1 virus
(1×105 pfu/20 μL), or mock treatment as a control was
administered intranasally. At 3, 7, and 10 days after infection, each
group of mice was evaluated for AHR by methacholine challenge using an
animal ventilator, flexiVent®. Lung samples were resected and observed
using light microscopy to assess the degree of airway inflammation. AHRs
in paediatric participants were defined as the provocative acetylcholine
concentration causing a 20% reduction in FEV1.0
(PC20). Results: Airway resistance was
significantly enhanced in A(H1N1)pdm09-infected asthmatic mice compared
to that in seasonal H1N1-infected mice (p<0.001), peaking at 7
days post-infection and then becoming similar to control levels by 10
days post-infection. Histopathological examination of lung tissues
showed more intense infiltration of inflammatory cells and severe tissue
destruction in A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice at 7 days post-infection than
at 10 days post-infection. AHRs in the paediatric participants were
temporarily increased, and alleviated by 3 months after discharge.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that enhanced AHR could
contribute to severe exacerbation in human asthmatic patients with
A(H1N1)pdm09 infection.