Effect of GM-CSF on immune, inflammatory, and clinical responses to ragweed in a novel mouse model of mucosal sensitization

BACKGROUND: Conventional models of allergic airway inflammation involve intraperitoneal administration of ovalbumin in conjunction with a chemical adjuvant (generally aluminum hydroxide) to generate allergic airways inflammation. Here we have investigated the effect of respiratory mucosal exposure to a ragweed extract in the absence of chemical adjuvant on the generation of allergic responses. OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a mouse model of …