title: Distinctive anti-allergy properties of two probiotic bacterial strains in a mouse model of allergic poly-sensitization.
abstract: We compared the immunomodulatory properties of Bifidobacterium longum NCC 3001 and Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 in a mouse model of poly-sensitization to birch and grass pollen allergens. Mucosal application of both strains at the time of sensitization and challenge led to significant suppression of airway inflammation and down-regulated allergen-specific immune responses. In contrast, in the mice treated with probiotics prior to sensitization and challenge, only B. longum displayed protective effects. Our findings stress that the choice of probiotic strain and the timing of the application are crucial for tolerance induction. Furthermore, this is the first demonstration of anti-allergic effects of probiotic bacteria in poly-sensitized mice.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Irma
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schabussova
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hufnagl
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wild
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nutten
authors.forename: Adrian W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Zuercher
authors.forename: Annick
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mercenier
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wiedermann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D029662:Betula; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D006109:Poaceae; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors