HMOs modulate immunoregulation and gut microbiota in a β-lactoglobulin-induced allergic mice model

Abstract

Abstract Milk, which contains β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg; a major allergenic protein), is the most common food allergen and one of the earliest discovered. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), especially 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), have multiple effects as prebiotics, including improvements to immune regulation, gut health, and cognition. In this study, we investigated the effects of HMOs on immunoregulation and intestinal flora in a β-Lg-induced milk allergy mouse model. HMOs supplementation reduced allergic symptoms, decreased serum IgE and β-Lg-specific IgE, and significantly increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, TGF-β, and IFN-γ compared to those in the β-Lg allergy group. Furthermore, HMOs and 2′-FL interventions improved richness and diversity of fecal microbiota. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus significantly increased, while that of Lactococcus and Alistipes significantly decreased. In summary, our study shows that HMOs and 2′-FL supplementation relieved β-Lg-induced allergies.