An adjuvant-free mouse model to evaluate the allergenicity of milk whey protein

BALB/c mice exhibit systemic allergic response to transdermal exposure with cow's milk whey protein. Groups of mice (n = 10 per group) were exposed to cow's milk protein (1mg/mouse) via the transdermal route 6 times over a period of 6wk. Plasma samples were collected before transdermal exposure (Pre) and after 6 exposures (6R). A) Cow's milk protein-specific IgE (sIgE) titers were measured using an optimized indirect ELISA; ANOVA, 6R versus Pre: P<0.0001; B) binding of IgE from 6R sample to different purified milk proteins. ^a,bBars labeled with different letters are significantly different. OD = optical density.

BALB/c mice exhibit robust IgG1 response to milk whey protein upon transdermal exposure. Groups of mice (n = 10 per group) were exposed to cow's milk protein (1mg/mouse) via the transdermal route 6 times over a period of 6wk. Plasma samples were collected before transdermal exposure (Pre), after 3 exposures (3R), and after 6 exposures (6R). Cow's milk protein-specific IgG1 (sIgG1) levels were measured using an optimized indirect ELISA (optical density, OD, at 450–690nm).

Systemic anaphylaxis and hypothermia in BALB/c mice following oral milk protein challenge. BALB/c mice (n = 10 per group) were exposed to saline or cow's milk protein (1 mg/mouse) via transdermal exposure 6 times. After confirming IgE responses, mice were orally challenged with cow's milk protein (15mg/mouse). A) Mice were examined for clinical signs of systemic anaphylaxis during the 1-h postchallenge period as described in the text; B) rectal temperatures were recorded before and 30min after oral challenge. Data shown are average±SE. Differences were compared using ANOVA; n.s. = not significant.