Protective effect of selenium amino acid biofortified milk on allergenic immune response and intestinal microbiota profile

• Grant number: 24/10646-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Anderson Marliere Navarro
• Grantee: Talita Ramos Reis
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) has been increasing, as have searches for new ways to minimize or treat the allergic condition. Currently, the most effective method is the complete elimination of the food, but this may not be a viable option for everyone since milk, for example, is accessible and often provided for free in many regions. Therefore, maintaining this food in the diet while using resources to improve its allergenic response would be valuable. Food allergy (FA) occurs due to an exaggerated immune response after exposure to a specific food antigen, releasing inflammatory mediators and producing high levels of IgE. Selenium (Se) acts as an immune response modulator, reducing mast cell degranulation, decreasing histamine release, maximizing IL-10 expression, and increasing the Th1 response compared to Th2. Therefore, we intend to analyze the protective effect of freeze-dried milk biofortified with selenium amino acid (SeAa) on Th2, Treg, eosinophil, and mast cell responses, as well as on the intestine, by examining the composition of the intestinal microbiota in a food allergy model. Biofortification, in the case of milk, will improve animal nutrition, resulting in increased levels of the desired micronutrient in the final product. Literature evaluates this method positively, noting that it offers better bioavailability of the micronutrient. SeAa, a combination of the organic form of Se and the amino acid methionine, has shown a better anti-inflammatory response in FA compared to other chemical formulations. We believe that freeze-dried milk biofortified with SeAa will have a greater chance of protecting against CMPA due to the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the higher absorption and anti-inflammatory potential of SeAa.