"Microbial and immune modulation by 2'-fucosyllactose supplementation during gestation: a strategy to prevent food...

Food allergies are linked to dysfunction in intestinal microbiota, the immune system and the intestinal epithelial barrier, leading to immune tolerance failure at birth. We hypothesized that a diet enriched with a Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO), the 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), during pregnancy would enhance the establishment of these systems and protect the child against food allergy. We previously demonstrated that in our mouse model, 2'-FL protected offspring from food allergy, abrogating allergic symptoms and reducing associated biomarkers. This study investigated microbial, immune, metabolic and gut physiology in mothers, fetuses and offspring to understand the mechanisms behind this protection. Gestational 2'-FL supplementation significantly modified maternal gut microbiota and induced regulatory B cells, which were also seen in fetuses. Additionally, pups from 2'-FL supplemented mothers exhibited distinct microbiota, a strengthened intestinal barrier, and more regulatory B cells compared to control pups. Our results demonstrate that 2'-FL supplementation during gestation induces lasting beneficial changes, protecting offspring from food allergies.