Figure 4.

Inhibiting the function of cyclophilins during the chronic phase of asthma reduces the numbers of leukocytes recruited upon acute allergen challenge. Chronic allergic asthma was induced as already described, and 200 μg of NIM811, or diluent alone, were administered by intraperitoneal injection twice per week during the 4-week chronic phase. A separate group of mice received PBS aerosol challenges throughout the regimen, without intervention, to provide baseline data. Five days after the final intervention injection, all mice received two aerosol challenges of either PBS or OVA to induce an acute asthmatic response (Reactivation). Numbers of leukocytes were assessed in BAL fluid by flow cytometry 24 hours after the second acute reactivation challenge. Data show the mean ± SEM for numbers of leukocytes (n = 14–15 mice per group). The percent reduction between NIM811-treated and diluent-treated groups is also shown. A Student t test was used to establish statistically significant differences between the NIM and DIL groups. **P < 0.005. ***P < 0.0001.