Evaluation of the efficiency of hydrolyzed whey formula to prevent cow's milk allergy in the BALB/c mouse model. Issue 3 (5th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chikhi, Amina; Elmecherfi, Kamel‐Eddine; Bernard, Hervé; Cortes‐Perez, Naima; Kheroua, Omar; Saidi, Djamel; Adel‐Patient, Karine
• Is Part Of: Pediatric allergy and immunology. Volume 30:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 370
• Page End: 377
• Publication Date: 2019-03-05
• Subjects: BALB/c mouse -- cow's milk allergy -- oral tolerance -- partially hydrolyzed whey formula -- prevention; Allergy in children -- Periodicals; Immunologic diseases in children -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/pai.13017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6157

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Partially hydrolyzed milk formulas have been proposed for primary prevention in at‐risk infants, but evidence of their efficiency and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms are still lacking. Thanks to a Th2‐biased mouse model mimicking at‐risk patients, we aimed to assess the potency of a partially hydrolyzed whey formula (pHWF) to induce oral tolerance thus preventing further cow's milk (CM) allergy. Methods: BALB/c mice were gavaged with pHWF, standard milk formula (SF), or vehicle only (PBS+). All mice were then orally sensitized to CM using cholera toxin and further chronically exposed to CM. Humoral (IgE, IgG1, IgG2a) and cellular (Th2/Th1/Th17 cytokine secretion; frequency of CD4+GATA3+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen) responses against β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) and whole caseins (CAS) were assessed, as well as a marker of elicitation of allergic reaction (mMCP‐1) released after an oral challenge with CM. Results: All markers of sensitization and of allergic reaction were evidenced in the PBS+ mice and were significantly enhanced upon chronic exposure. Gavage with SF totally and durably prevented sensitization and elicitation of the allergic reaction. Conversely, pre‐treatment with pHWF only reduced BLG‐specific sensitization (IgE, Th2 cytokines), with no significant effect on sensitization to caseins. However, pHWF pre‐treatment significantly reduced mMCP‐1 concentration in plasma after CM challenges. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell frequency could not be correlated with tolerance efficiency. Conclusion: Partially hydrolyzed whey formula only partially prevents the further development of CM allergy in this Th2‐biased model. A hydrolysate from both whey and casein fractions may be more efficient.