Hydrolysed ovalbumin offers more effective preventive and therapeutic protection against egg allergy than the intact protein

Abstract

This study provides evidence for the superior role of hydrolysed, as compared to intact allergens, in the prevention of allergy development and in the promotion of long-term desensitization, as well as of intermolecular tolerance.

Oral Immunotherapy with Egg Peptides Induces Innate and Adaptive Tolerogenic Responses

“…BALB/c mice were sham‐sensitized or sensitized to EW, and either left untreated or tolerized by OP administration (Figure a). EW‐sensitized mice experienced anaphylaxis upon oral challenge with EW, while mice treated with OP did not present clinical signs or temperature changes, in parallel with significantly reduced levels of EW‐specific IgE and IgG1, as previously reported (not shown) . In agreement with the amelioration of the allergic status, therapy with OP decreased the percentage of activated Th2 cells in the LP and MLNs and increased that of CD4 + CD25 + cells (a subset that comprises Foxp3 + Treg cells) in both compartments (Figure b).…”

“…RNA extraction and qPCR assays were performed as described . Primer pairs and thermal cycling conditions are included in Table S1, Supporting Information.…”

“…In contrast to the use of whole allergens, peptide immunotherapy appears as an attractive strategy to stimulate oral tolerance, since it produces fewer adverse reactions and increases adherence to therapy . In a previous study, we showed that a hydrolysate of ovalbumin with pepsin (OP) was more effective than intact ovalbumin (OVA), both in the prevention of allergy development and in the promotion of long‐term desensitization to egg white (EW) in BALB/c mice . In the therapeutic setting, OP provided a quick desensitization that lasted for at least 3 weeks after discontinuation of the therapy, linked to a reduction in activated Th2 cells, induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells, and upregulation of Tgfb1 , Il10 , and Foxp3 , but also of Il17 and Rorc , encoding for RORγt, the Th17 master transcription factor, in intestinal tissues.…”

“…[2] In a previous study, we showed that a hydrolysate of ovalbumin with pepsin (OP) was more effective than intact ovalbumin (OVA), both in the prevention of allergy development and in the promotion of long-term desensitization to egg white (EW) in BALB/c mice. [3] In the therapeutic setting, OP provided a quick desensitization that lasted for at least 3 weeks after discontinuation of the therapy, linked to a reduction in activated Th2 cells, induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells, and upregulation of Tgfb1, Il10, and Foxp3, but also of Il17 and Rorc, encoding for RORγ t, the Th17 master transcription factor, in intestinal tissues. Although Treg and Th17 cells are regarded as responsible for antagonistic functions, Treg cells that simultaneously express Foxp3 and RORγ t have been found in human and mice, where they may help to stimulate tolerance or counteract the development of an allergic phenotype.…”

Asthma comorbidities and making progress with food allergy

“…Continuing with food allergy, Lozano-Ojalvo et al 3 (Figure 2). This is a promising as a novel potential approach for food allergy oral immunotherapy.…”