Fermented fish oil suppresses T helper 1/2 cell response in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis via generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells

Abstract

BackgroundAllergic skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis (AD), which is characterized by pruritus and inflammation, is regulated partly through the activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs play key roles in the immune response by preventing or suppressing the differentiation, proliferation and function of various immune cells, including CD4+ T cells. Recent studies report that fermentation has a tremendous capacity to transform chemical structures or create new substances, and the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in fish oil can reduce inflammation in allergic patients. The beneficial effects of natural fish oil (NFO) have been described in many diseases, but the mechanism by which fermented fish oil (FFO) modulates the immune system and the allergic response is poorly understood. In this study, we produced FFO and tested its ability to suppress the allergic inflammatory response and to activate CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs.ResultsThe ability of FFO and NFO to modulate the immune system was investigated using a mouse model of AD. Administration of FFO or NFO in the drinking water alleviated the allergic inflammation in the skin, and FFO was more effective than NFO. FFO treatment did increase the expression of the immune-suppressive cytokines TGF-β and IL-10. In addition, ingestion of FFO increased Foxp3 expression and the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs compared with NFO.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the anti-allergic effect of FFO is associated with enrichment of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells at the inflamed sites and that FFO may be effective in treating the allergic symptoms of AD.

A multistrain probiotic formulation attenuates skin symptoms of atopic dermatitis in a mouse model through the generation of CD4+Foxp3+T cells

“…The spleen contains a range of immune cells and plays an important role in regulating the immune response. Because splenic enlargement or splenomegaly indicates abnormality of immune system function in AD (16, 17), we compared the change of morphological features of the spleen among the groups. The mice receiving excipient or GI7-L were found to have significantly enlarged spleens compared to those of the control group ( p <0.001).…”

New insights into T cells and their signature cytokines in atopic dermatitis

“…The differentiation, survival, and function of Treg cells are largely driven by IL‐2 and TGF‐β1 signals, which appear to directly regulate the expression of a master transcription factor FOXP3 . The activation of Tregs has been proved to be critical for downregulation of inflammatory process and the maintenance of peripheral tolerance in the skin allergic reaction . Tregs preferentially express the critical immunosuppressive cytokines TGFβ‐1, IL‐10, and IL‐35 .…”

“…The activation of Tregs has been proved to be critical for downregulation of inflammatory process and the maintenance of peripheral tolerance in the skin allergic reaction . Tregs preferentially express the critical immunosuppressive cytokines TGFβ‐1, IL‐10, and IL‐35 . Tregs can also directly inhibit differentiation, proliferation, and function of conventional T cells, including CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, through direct cell‐cell contact and down‐modulation of function of the APCs, especially DCs .…”

Metabolism plays the key roles in Th cells differentiation

“…An interesting point is that even in the presence of CD28 signaling, rapamycin-treated T CD4 + cells can become anergic. In summary, it can be concluded that mTOR plays a central role in the fate of T CD4 (Table I) (10,15,19,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46). As shown in Table I, several studies have been devised to find the mechanisms involved in determining T CD4 + cells differentiations, and factors like fatty acids and vitamins have been evaluated.…”