Evaluation of allergenicity of cow milk treated with enzymatic hydrolysis through a mouse model of allergy

Cow milk (CM) allergy is a worldwide concern. Currently, few studies have been performed on the immunoreactivity of CM and fewer still on the antigenicity of CM in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we assessed the potential allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed CM using in vitro ELISA and oral sensitization and challenge of BALB/c mice. Alcalase-, Protamex-, and Flavourzyme-treated CM (all from Novozymes) diminished IgE binding capacity, with greatest reductions of 56.31%, 50.62%, and 56.45%, respectively. Allergic symptoms and levels of total IgG 1 were reduced, and allergic inflammation of the lung, jejunum, and spleen was relieved. Moreover, the numbers of CD8 + T and B220 + cells decreased, and the balance of CD4 + T/CD8 + T cells was effectively regulated. These findings suggest that the potential allergenicity of CM was reduced by enzymatic hydrolysis, and our research will lay a solid foundation for developing high-quality hypoallergenic CM products.