Selenium Modulates the Allergic Response to Whey Protein in a Mouse Model for Cow's Milk Allergy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutrition Science
• Allergy Research

Background:

• Cow's milk allergy is a prevalent infant condition linked to other allergic diseases.
• Dietary selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient influencing immune responses.
• The impact of Se on food allergies remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if dietary Se supplementation can inhibit whey-induced food allergy.
• To assess the effects of varying Se intake levels on allergic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Female C3H/HeOuJ mice were sensitized with whey protein and cholera toxin.
• Mice received control, low, medium, or high Se diets.
• Allergic symptoms, IgE levels, and mast cell degranulation were measured post-challenge.

Main Results:

• Medium Se diet intake led to significantly higher body temperature post-challenge, indicating reduced anaphylaxis.
• Antigen-specific immunoglobulins and mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) levels were reduced.
• Dietary Se supplementation modulated allergic responses to whey.

Conclusions:

• Oral Se supplementation may mitigate allergic responses to whey.
• Se appears to decrease specific antibody production and mMCP-1 release.
• Further research into Se's role in managing food allergies is warranted.