In Vivo Model Development for Food Allergy

Protheragen offers comprehensive in vivo animal model development services for Food Allergy research, leveraging a diverse portfolio of murine models to support preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics, immunomodulatory strategies, and mechanistic studies. Our service is designed to provide robust, reproducible, and translationally relevant data to accelerate the advancement of Food Allergy treatments from bench to bedside.

Food Allergy is a complex immunological disorder with increasing global prevalence and significant unmet clinical needs. Animal models are indispensable tools for unraveling the pathogenesis of Food Allergy, identifying therapeutic targets, and evaluating new interventions. At Protheragen, we utilize well-characterized mouse strains such as Balb/c, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6, Flaky tail, and NCG, which are widely recognized for their immunological profiles and relevance to human allergic responses. These models allow for the recapitulation of key features of human Food Allergy, including antigen sensitization, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, and anaphylactic reactions, providing a valuable bridge between basic research and clinical application.

Adjuvant- and Chemically-Induced Models

These models employ chemical adjuvants such as alum or aluminium hydroxide, often in combination with dietary or biological allergens (e.g., ovalbumin, peanut extract), to promote immune sensitization and allergic response. The methodology typically involves intraperitoneal or oral administration of the allergen with adjuvant over a defined sensitization period, followed by allergen challenge to induce allergic symptoms. Key advantages include high reproducibility, rapid induction of robust IgE-mediated responses, and suitability for evaluating prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. These models are primarily used for mechanistic studies, screening of anti-allergic compounds, and assessment of immune modulation strategies.

Biological Agent-Induced Models

In these models, sensitization is achieved through repeated exposure to purified food allergens (such as ovalbumin, beta-lacto-globulin, peanut extract, or egg white), sometimes in conjunction with mucosal adjuvants like cholera toxin or staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Administration routes include oral gavage, intragastric, or intranasal delivery. This approach closely mimics natural exposure and the oral route of sensitization observed in humans. The main advantages are physiological relevance, the ability to study antigen-specific immune responses, and flexibility in modeling different food allergens. Applications include evaluation of allergen-specific immunotherapies, tolerance induction protocols, and investigation of immune mechanisms underlying food-induced anaphylaxis.

Genetically Modified and Humanized Models

Genetic models utilize mice with targeted mutations (e.g., Il4ra mutation) or immunodeficient strains (such as NCG mice engrafted with human T-lymphocytes) to dissect the contribution of specific genes or human immune components to Food Allergy. These models may also incorporate fasting or immunosuppression to enhance engraftment or disease manifestation. The methodology involves genetic manipulation or xenotransplantation followed by allergen sensitization and challenge. Advantages include the ability to model human immune responses, study gene function in allergy development, and assess human-specific therapies. These models are ideal for translational research, mechanistic studies, and preclinical evaluation of biologics or cell-based therapies.

Protheragen delivers a full-spectrum in vivo Food Allergy model development service, encompassing model selection, protocol optimization, allergen administration, sensitization and challenge regimens, and comprehensive endpoint analysis. Key efficacy endpoints include measurement of allergen-specific IgE and IgG levels, assessment of anaphylactic reactions (body temperature, symptom scoring), cytokine profiling, immune cell phenotyping (flow cytometry), histopathological evaluation of target tissues, and in vivo imaging. Our analytical capabilities extend to ELISA, multiplex cytokine assays, qPCR, and advanced immunohistochemistry. Stringent quality control measures are implemented throughout the study, including standardized protocols, validated reagents, and rigorous data review, ensuring reproducibility and scientific integrity.

Partnering with Protheragen ensures access to a scientifically robust, customizable, and client-focused Food Allergy animal model platform. Our experienced team provides expert guidance, timely communication, and data-driven insights to facilitate your research objectives and accelerate therapeutic development. Contact us today to discuss your Food Allergy modeling needs and discover how our services can advance your preclinical research.