Allergies affect one third of the world’s population, withthe prevalence of allergies rising steadily. Allergies result from a disruptionin the development of immune tolerance, combined with an imbalance in themicrobiota and epithelial barriers. During the first 1,000 days of life (fromconception to 2 years old), the nutrition of pregnant women can influence thedevelopment and maturation of these systems in the child, representing a windowof opportunity for intervention to regulate the development of allergies.
Study Aim
The aim of this research project is to determine whether thespecific microbiota imprint alone is sufficient to prevent food allergy,without the need of an immune imprint at fetal stage.
Scientific Approach
Using a murine model of hysterectomy suppressing verticaltransfer of the maternal microbiota at birth. The immune imprinting effect willbe investigated in the offsprings with allergy challenge once the microbiota isstabilized.
Expected outcomes
Modulating the immune system through diet, knownas immunonutrition, is now a key tool in prevention, particularly in light ofthe rise in chronic diseases. This study will be the first to identifymechanisms by which a nutritional strategy can prevent food allergy. Thispreclinical project will provide essential proof of concept before clinical developmentand paves the way for a new nutritional strategy for the primary prevention ofallergies.
