*These authors contributed equally to the study.
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Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis
Article first published online: 28 MAY 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03025.x
© 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ivory, K., Chambers, S. J., Pin, C., Prieto, E., Arqués, J. L. and Nicoletti, C. (2008), Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 38: 1282–1289. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03025.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 18 JUL 2008
- Article first published online: 28 MAY 2008
- Submitted 12 October 2007; revised 10 March 2008; accepted 4 April 2008.
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Keywords:
- allergic rhinitis;
- cytokines;
- IgE;
- IgG;
- immunomodulation;
- Lactobacillus casei;
- probiotics
Summary
Background Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, suggesting beneficial interactions between the intestinal immune system and specific bacterial strains. Lactobacilli are naturally present within the complex gastrointestinal microbiota of humans and they are currently present in many probiotic supplements.
Objective We sought to investigate the role that Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) may play in modulating seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).
Methods The study format was double-blinded, placebo-controlled with 10 SAR sufferers in each group. We have documented and compared changes in immune status arising through the daily ingestion of a milk drink with or without live LcS, over a period of 5 months. Pre-, peak- and post-grass pollen season blood samples were collected for determination of plasma total IgE and grass pollen-specific IgG and IgE levels by an enzyme immunoassay. At the same time, cytokine levels were determined by flow cytometric bead array technology following culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 6 days in the presence or absence of specific grass pollen antigens.
Results Volunteers treated with LcS showed a significant reduction in levels of antigen-induced IL-5, IL-6 and IFN-γ production compared with volunteers supplemented with placebo. Meanwhile, levels of specific IgG increased and IgE decreased in the probiotic group.
Conclusion Changes in antigen-induced production of cytokines were observed in patients treated with probiotics. These data show that probiotic supplementation modulates immune responses in allergic rhinitis and may have the potential to alleviate the severity of symptoms.