Role of selenium in IgE mediated soybean allergy development

Advances in the Study of the Mechanism by Which Selenium and Selenoproteins Boost Immunity to Prevent Food Allergies

“…The mechanism of immune oral tolerance has not been elucidated, but it is clear that it may be disrupted in multiple stages. When enzymatic disruption of conformational epitopes in potential food allergens is reduced, epithelial cells secrete inflammatory cytokines such as IL-25 and IL-33 to inhibit IL-12 production [ 5 , 59 ]. In this condition, DCs and other antigen-presenting cells are activated and transformed into a functional pro-inflammatory phenotype.…”

“…When allergens bind to food allergen-specific IgE on the surface of these cells, their subsequent cross-linking of bound IgE triggers an intracellular cascade that leads to the release of mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, chemokines, and other cytokines, resulting in a series of inflammatory responses. Thereafter, allergic inflammation can be maintained in the later stages of the allergic response due to the production of leukotrienes, platelet-activating factors, and cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 [ 5 ]. Understanding the mechanisms of IgE-mediated food allergy can help in implementing measures to restore immune tolerance.…”

“…Selenium is able to influence allergic responses by acting on immune cells. Se may modulate food-allergic responses in already allergic individuals by affecting mast cell activity [ 5 ]. In a cell-based model, Se treatment reduced mast cell degranulation as measured by reduced release of mast cell mediators PGD2, β-hexosaminidase, and histamine [ 61 ].…”

“…During inflammation, many phagocytes rely on ROS production to prevent damage to host cells [ 75 ]. Once this balance is disturbed, ROS levels increase dramatically, thus inducing damage to host cells [ 5 ]. Selenoproteins play an important role in maintaining the homeostatic level of ROS to protect immune cells from damage [ 76 ].…”

“…When Se is deficient, the body’s ability to synthesize immunoglobulins decreases, and the ability of T lymphocytes to differentiate and proliferate decreases. Nutritional level of Se or a certain range of intake of Se higher than the nutritional level can enhance the immunity of individuals, improve antibody production, increase the activation and proliferation ability of B lymphocytes, enhance the function of T lymphocytes, increase the number of neutrophils, and can promote the penetration of Se into immune organs such as spleen, liver, and lymph nodes [ 5 ]. Adequate intake of selenium is essential to maintain good health.…”