Commensal bacteria protect against food allergen sensitization

TLDR

Changes in the gut microbiota are linked to the rising prevalence of food allergy. Clostridia protect against allergen sensitization by regulating innate lymphoid cells and tightening intestinal barrier function. Antibiotic‑treated or germ‑free mice exhibit increased food‑allergen sensitization, whereas a Clostridia‑rich microbiota confers protection, indicating that microbiota modulation could prevent food allergy.

Abstract

Environmentally induced alterations in the commensal microbiota have been implicated in the increasing prevalence of food allergy. We show here that sensitization to a food allergen is increased in mice that have been treated with antibiotics or are devoid of a commensal microbiota. By selectively colonizing gnotobiotic mice, we demonstrate that the allergy-protective capacity is conferred by a Clostridia-containing microbiota. Microarray analysis of intestinal epithelial cells from gnotobiotic mice revealed a previously unidentified mechanism by which Clostridia regulate innate lymphoid cell function and intestinal epithelial permeability to protect against allergen sensitization. Our findings will inform the development of novel approaches to prevent or treat food allergy based on modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota.