Effect of Cholecalciferol in Food Allergy Mouse Model Is Associated with Decrease of CD69⁺ CD4⁺ T Cells

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutrition Science
• Allergy Research

Background:

• Global prevalence of food allergies is rising.
• Epidemiological studies suggest a link between vitamin D3 insufficiency and food allergy.
• Vitamin D3 plays a role in immune system regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplementation on a mouse model of food allergy.
• To explore the role of CD69+ CD4+ T cells in food allergy symptoms.
• To determine if cholecalciferol can alleviate food allergy-induced diarrhea.

Main Methods:

• Induction of food allergy in BALB/c mice using ovalbumin sensitization and challenge.
• Administration of cholecalciferol to treated mice.
• Analysis of clinical symptoms (diarrhea), immunoglobulin E levels, T helper cytokine production, and CD69+ CD4+ T cell populations.
• Treatment with anti-CD69 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to assess T cell involvement.

Main Results:

• Ovalbumin challenge induced allergic diarrhea, elevated immunoglobulin E, and increased T helper 2 cytokines (IL-4, -5, -13).
• A significant increase in CD69+ CD4+ T cells was observed in the mesenteric lymph node of allergic mice.
• Cholecalciferol treatment reduced allergic diarrhea and tended to decrease CD69+ CD4+ T cells.
• Anti-CD69 mAb treatment significantly improved allergic diarrhea symptoms, correlating with reduced CD69+ CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions:

• Cholecalciferol administration may be beneficial in suppressing symptomatic food allergies.
• The therapeutic effect of cholecalciferol appears associated with a reduction in CD69+ CD4+ T cells.
• CD69+ CD4+ T cells play a role in the development of allergic diarrhea symptoms.