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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Oral treatment with probiotics reduces allergic symptoms in ovalbumin-sensitized mice: a bacterial strain comparative
S Hougee1, A J M Vriesema, S C Wijering
1Danone Research-Centre for Specialised Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands. sander.hougee@danone.com
Background/Aim:
Evidence demonstrating an important role of the intestinal microbiota in the incidence of allergic disorders has led to the concept of using probiotics as possible antiallergic therapy. This study aimed to select a bacterial strain with the best antiallergic treatment effects from a panel of 6 bacterial strains in a mouse model of ovalbumin(OVA)-allergic asthma.
Methods:
OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice were orally administered the bacterial strains Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, B. infantis NumRes251, B. animalis NumRes252 and NumRes253, Lactobacillus plantarum NumRes8 and L. rhamnosus NumRes6. After challenge by OVA inhalation in the lungs, the response to methacholine was measured. Pulmonary inflammation was assessed by analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for the presence of eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes and for interleukin 4, interleukin 5, interleukin 10 and interferon-gamma. OVA-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a were measured in serum. Next, the effect on acute allergic skin reaction was measured after treatment with B. breve M-16V and L. plantarum NumRes8.
Results:
Of the panel of 6 strains, B. breve M-16V and L. plantarum NumRes8 inhibited (1) the response to methacholine, (2) reduced the number of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, (3) reduced both OVA-specific IgE and (4) OVA-specific IgG1, whereas the other strains did not affect all these parameters simultaneously. B. breve M-16V but not L. plantarum NumRes8 reduced interleukin 4, interleukin 5 and interleukin 10. Furthermore, B. breve M-16V but not L. plantarum NumRes8 reduced acute allergic skin reactions to OVA.
Conclusion:
B. breve M-16V was identified as the most potent antiallergic strain.
Insights
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V demonstrated significant antiallergic effects in a mouse model of allergic asthma. This probiotic strain effectively reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, identifying it as a potent therapeutic candidate.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Intestinal microbiota plays a role in allergic disorders.
- Probiotics are being investigated as potential antiallergic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most effective bacterial strain for antiallergic treatment from a panel of six.
- To evaluate antiallergic effects in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.
Main Methods:
- Six bacterial strains, including Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and Lactobacillus plantarum NumRes8, were administered to OVA-sensitized mice.
- Assessed airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary inflammation markers (cytokines, immune cells), OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a.
- Evaluated acute allergic skin reactions to OVA.
Main Results:
- B. breve M-16V and L. plantarum NumRes8 inhibited methacholine response, reduced eosinophils, and decreased OVA-specific IgE and IgG1.
- B. breve M-16V uniquely reduced key inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) and acute allergic skin reactions.
- Other tested strains did not simultaneously impact all measured parameters.
Conclusions:
- Bifidobacterium breve M-16V was identified as the most potent antiallergic bacterial strain.
- This strain shows promise for managing allergic asthma.
