Epigenetic features of FoxP3 in children with cow's milk allergy

Clin Epigenetics. 2016 Aug 12:8:86. doi: 10.1186/s13148-016-0252-z. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Background: DNA methylation of the Th1 and Th2 cytokine genes is altered during cow's milk allergy (CMA). Forkhead box transcription factor 3 (FoxP3) is essential for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and is involved in oral tolerance acquisition. We assessed whether tolerance acquisition in children with IgE-mediated CMA is associated with DNA demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR) of FoxP3.

Results: Forty children (aged 3-18 months) were enrolled: 10 children with active IgE-mediated CMA (group 1), 10 children who outgrew CMA after dietary treatment with an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula containing the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (group 2), 10 children who outgrew CMA after treatment with other formulas (group 3), and 10 healthy controls (group 4). FoxP3 TSDR demethylation and expression were measured in mononuclear cells purified from peripheral blood of the four groups of children. FoxP3 TSDR demethylation was significantly lower in children with active IgE-mediated CMA than in either children who outgrew CMA or in healthy children. Formula selection influenced the FoxP3 TSDR demethylation profile. The FoxP3 TSDR demethylation rate and expression level were correlated.

Conclusions: Tolerance acquisition in children with IgE-mediated CMA involves epigenetic regulation of the FoxP3 gene. This feature could be a new target for preventive and therapeutic strategies against CMA.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02779881.

Keywords: Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula; Food allergy; Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; Oral tolerance.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caseins / chemistry*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology*
  • Infant
  • Infant Formula / chemistry
  • Infant Formula / microbiology*
  • Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus / physiology
  • Male
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / diet therapy*
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / genetics
  • Milk Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Caseins
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Immunoglobulin E

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02779881