LAUSR

Abstract Cows' milk allergy, common in young infants, is often solved by the age of five; however, it can persist in some adults. The in vivo immunomodulatory potential of β-lactoglobulin (BLG) hydrolysates obtained with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CRL656 (H656) was studied. Sera from mice gavaged with H656 showed lower specific BLG-IgE values than those of allergic mice. Secretion of IL-10, INF-γ and IL-6 was increased and that of IL-4 decreased when allergic spleen cells were stimulated with H656. IL-4 secretion was significantly reduced and concentrations of IL-10, IL-17A and IL-6 were increased when H656 was orally administrated. Highest expression of IL-4 and IL-12 was observed for allergic mice and H656 gavaged mice, respectively. H656 immunisation had a positive effect on intestinal mucosa. Overall, H656 displayed an immunomodulating effect, balancing the allergic Th2 response by stimulating Th1 type cytokine secretion. The hydrolysate might promote oral tolerance towards BLG in infant foods.