Genetically Engineered Lactococcus may Induce Food Tolerance

Filed in archive Allergy: Research and Development , Food Allergies on March 5, 2007

In a preliminary animal studies, researchers have been able to demonstrate that the oral administration of Lactococcus lactis, which were bioengineered to secrete murine interleukin-10 (IL-10), could inhibit and/or stop sensitisation and subsequently, food allergies. The anti-inflammatory protein, IL-10, is believed to be a potential regulator for food tolerance.

Writing in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Frossard reports that oral administration of this non-pathogenic strain effectively reduced food-induced anaphylaxis (severe allergic response) in mice and suppressed the production of an antibody capable of initiating the most powerful immune reactions.

There are already human trials testing for its efficacy in patients with inflammatory colitis, and testing for prevention and treatment of food allergies are also being planned. If successful, we will likely see more health foods containing probiotics engineered to induce food tolerance.

Read more details of the study from Food Navigator.

[Photo: National Dairy Council]