Work

Evaluation of Lactococcus lactis carrying active For t 2 protein in immunotherapy for Forcipomyia taiwana allergy in mice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) allergy is Taiwan's most prevalent biting insect allergy. Our previous studies identified and cloned major F. taiwana allergens For t 2 and determined its strong immunogenicity to human fibroblasts. This study investigated whether oral administration of food-grade Lactococcus lactis containing For t 2 ameliorated midge-allergic symptoms in a mouse model. Methods BALB/c mice, divided into viable, sonicated, and autoclaved groups, were fed with L. lactis -For t 2 5 times weekly for 4 weeks. Immune molecules related to allergies in serum were analyzed and 16S rRNA profiles of fecal samples were compared. Results The results revealed administration of L. lactis -For t 2 significantly decreased the level of total IgE and ameliorated midge allergen-challenge-induced scratch bouts found in the viable and sonicated groups, but not the autoclaved group. The sonicated group showed a significant reduction in IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels. Its effect was comparable to that of the viable group and was even more pronounced in reducing IL-9 expression. Further, we performed a comprehensive analysis of 16S rRNA profiles corresponding to fecal samples. Clostridiaceae and Clostridium were the dominant family and genus in the autoclaved group, whereas Duncaniella and Kineothrix were the dominant genus in the sonicated and viable groups, respectively. Conclusions The results imply that mucosal allergen-specific immunotherapy of L. lactis For t 2 is a better cost-effective alternative to conventional subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy. This study shows that non-viable L. lactis -derived For t 2 active protein may be a promising therapeutic for treating midge allergy.

Source: World Allergy Organization Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2025.101073

Authors: Mey-Fann Lee, Yi-Hsing Chen, Chu-Hui Chiang, Chi-Sheng Wu, Nancy M. Wang

Institutions: Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, National Changhua University of Education

Language: English

Topic: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research

Subfield: Immunology and Allergy

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,508