title: Epigenetic features of FoxP3 in children with cow's milk allergy.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Lorella
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paparo
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nocerino
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cosenza
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aitoro
authors.affiliation: CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy ; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: D'Argenio
authors.affiliation: CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy ; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Del Monaco
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Scala
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amoroso
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Margherita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Costanzo
authors.affiliation: CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy ; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy ; IRCCS-Fondazione SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salvatore
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy ; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy ; European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Berni Canani
mesh_terms: D002364:Caseins / Q000737:chemistry*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology*; D052201:Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D016269:Milk Hypersensitivity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002364:Caseins; C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula; Food allergy; Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; Oral tolerance