This study aims to investigate the correlation between the ability of L. acidophilus to modulate miRNA expression and prevent Th17-dominated β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) allergy. In vitro immunomodulation was evaluated by measuring splenocyte proliferation, Th17-related immune response and miRNA expression in β-Lg-sensitized splenocytes cultured with live L. acidophilus. Next, the allergic mouse model was used to evaluate anti-allergy capability of lactobacilli. The β-Lg challenge led to induction of up-regulation of miR-146a, miR-155, miR-21 and miR-9 expression in both in vivo and in vitro, along with increased Th17-related cytokine levels and mRNA expression of RORγt and IL-17. However, treatment of live L. acidophilus significantly suppressed hypersensitivity responses and Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, administration of live L. acidophilus reduced expression of four miRNAs, especially miR-146a and miR-155. In addition, the decreased expression of the miRNAs in the spleen of the L. acidophilus-treated group was closely associated with decrease of IL-17 and RORγt mRNA expression.

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