Atopic march protocol involving sequential skin and lung inflammation elicited by epicutaneous Staphylococcus aureus and allergen exposure

The prevalence of allergic diseases is rising globally, and these diseases often follow a sequential pattern of disease onset in childhood, beginning with atopic dermatitis, followed by food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Here, we present a protocol for modeling this “atopic march” in mice. We describe the steps for inducing atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation through Staphylococcus aureus epicutaneous exposure. We then detail procedures for eliciting lung inflammation via skin allergen sensitization and subsequent intratracheal allergen elicitation in the lungs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kline et al. 1 • Steps to induce atopic dermatitis-like disease via S. aureus skin exposure in mice • Mouse atopic march model involving allergen skin sensitization and lung elicitation • Guidance on mouse skin and lung collection methods and analyses Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. The prevalence of allergic diseases is rising globally, and these diseases often follow a sequential pattern of disease onset in childhood, beginning with atopic dermatitis, followed by food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Here, we present a protocol for modeling this “atopic march” in mice. We describe the steps for inducing atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation through Staphylococcus aureus epicutaneous exposure. We then detail procedures for eliciting lung inflammation via skin allergen sensitization and subsequent intratracheal allergen elicitation in the lungs.