Oral administration of <i>Bacillus coagulans</i> TQ-35 alleviates allergic responses in OVA-sensitive BALB/c mice

Abstract

<em>Bacillus coagulans</em> has been extensively studied so far, but there has been a lack of research on its usage in allergy. In this study, we designed to assess the effect of different concentrations of <em>Bacillus coagulans</em> on food allergy in a BALB/c mouse model of OVA-induced food allergy and its effect on gut microbes. The assessment of symptoms, specific IgE, T-cell differentiation, and related gene expression levels in sensitized mice by assay indicated that high doses of oral <em>Bacillus coagulans</em> could alleviate allergic symptoms. Treatment with <em>Bacillus coagulan</em>s, in the high-dose group, significantly reduced IgE and IgG1 levels and modulated the balance of Th1 and Th2 and the expression of relevant genes in the spleen. 16S rRNA analysis showed that probiotics improved the structure of the microbiota, in particular by boosting the percentage of <em>Clostridia</em>, <em>Bacteroides vulgatus</em> and <em>Enterococcus faecium</em>, and by increasing the abundance of microbial species, thereby modulating the immune system. Therefore, this study can provide insights into the practical application of <em>Bacillus coagulans</em> doses to alleviate OVA allergy.