In mice, an allergic response in the airways can be induced by systemic immunization with a protein antigen (chicken ovalbumin) in an adjuvant that promotes Type II immune responses, followed by several exposures to aerosolized ovalbumin administered via the airways. Mice that have a genetic deficiency in expression of the receptor c-kit are resistant to this disease because:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mast cells are an important effector cell in allergic responses, as they release histamine and other mediators that cause airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Mice that lack mast cells because of a c-kit deficiency are therefore resistant to the development of allergic airway disease.

In Mice, an Allergic Response in the Airways Can Be