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Epicutaneous immunogenicity of partially hydrolyzed whey protein evaluated using tape‐stripped mouse model
Author(s) -
Iwamoto Hiroshi,
Matsubara Takeshi,
Okamoto Tomoyuki,
Yoshikawa Mayu,
Matsumoto Takuya,
Kono Gaku,
Takeda Yasuhiro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.13211
Subject(s) - immunogenicity , sensitization , basophil , immunology , medicine , allergen , milk allergy , eosinophil , whey protein , allergy , basophil activation , immune system , immunoglobulin e , antibody , food allergy , food science , chemistry , asthma
Background Hydrolyzed cow's milk protein formulas are widely used for infants with a history or risk of cow's milk allergy. Based on the current theory that food allergen sensitization occurs via the skin, we investigated the epicutaneous immunogenicity of partially hydrolyzed whey proteins, which are ingredients in infant formulas. Methods BALB/c mice were exposed epicutaneously to whey protein concentrate (WPC) or partial whey protein hydrolysates (PWH1 or PWH2) on tape‐stripped skin. Sensitization was assessed by evaluating serum β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG)‐specific antibodies, basophil activation, and cytokine production from β‐LG‐stimulated lymphoid cells. The anaphylaxis reaction was evaluated by measuring the rectal temperature and plasma level of mouse mast cell protease‐1 after oral β‐LG challenge. Immune cell accumulation in the skin was also analyzed. Results Substantive sensitization and β‐LG‐induced anaphylaxis reaction were observed in WPC‐exposed mice, whereas no significant changes were observed in PWH1‐ or PWH2‐exposed mice. The basophil and eosinophil counts increased in WPC‐exposed murine skin, not but in PWH1‐ or PWH2‐exposed mice. Conclusion The epicutaneous immunogenicity of PWH1 and PWH2 is markedly decreased, which may reduce the risk of allergen sensitization. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical value of these partial hydrolysates for high‐risk infants.