Neutrophil-activating protein in Bacillus spores inhibits casein allergy
via TLR2 signaling
Abstract
Background: Milk allergy commonly occurs in children, mainly
caused by casein (CAS) protein. Neutrophil-activating protein (NAP) of
Helicobacter pylori plays an immunomodulatory role with potential
to suppress Th2-type immune responses. Bacillus subtilis spores
are commonly used as oral vectors for drug delivery. We hypothesized
that recombinantly expressed NAP on B. subtilis spores could be
an effective treatment for CAS allergy. Methods: After CAS
sensitization, mice were orally administered B. subtilis spores
expressing recombinant NAP for 6 weeks. Allergic symptoms and parameters
were evaluated after CAS challenge via gavage, including allergic
inflammation, splenic cytokines, and serum-specific antibodies. Protein
levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and c-JUN in the jejunum tissue
were measured by western blot. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs)
were stimulated with inactivated NAP spores to measure the influence on
cytokine profiles in vitro. Results: NAP recombinant
spore treatment significantly reduced allergic symptoms and intestinal
inflammation. Interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma levels increased,
whereas serum CAS-specific IgG1 and IgE levels decreased. TLR2 and c-JUN
expression levels were elevated in the jejunal tissue. Inactivated NAP
spores polarized BMDMs to the M1 phenotype and enhanced cytokine
expression, which were inhibited by a TLR2 neutralizing antibody.
Conclusions: NAP offers a new strategy in the treatment of CAS
allergy by inhibiting the Th2 response, while eliciting macrophages to
activate the TLR2-dependent signaling pathway and promote Th1 immune
responses.