Formalin-Fixed <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Particles Prevent Allergic Sensitization in a Murine Model of Type I Allergy

<i>Background:</i> Bacterial infections are supposed to act counterregulatory to the development of allergen-specific Th2 immune responses. We analyzed whether administration of extracellular <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> inhibited experimental sensitization against allergens. <i>Methods:</i> BALB/c mice were immunized with alum-adsorbed ovalbumin (OVA) together with formalin-fixed <i>Staphylococcus</i> particles. OVA-specific antibody production and cytokine synthesis by spleen cells was analyzed. Airway reactivity and cellular infiltration into the airways was assessed after intranasal challenge of mice with OVA. In addition, the capacity of …