A dichloromethane fraction of Triticum aestivum sprouts reducesallergic immune response through inhibiting Th2 differentiation in ovalbumin-immunized mice

Triticum aestivum sprouts are small shoots that germinate from seeds and are consumed as a dietary supplement. The present study aimed to determine whether a dichloromethane fraction isolated from Triticum aestivum sprouts (TDF) suppressed the allergic immune response in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. In vivo experiments were performed by administering TDF or vehicle to mice during the sensitization and this was immediately followed by an intradermal injection of OVA into the ears. Splenocytes isolated from OVA-sensitized mice were pre-treated with TDF and re-challenged with OVA for ex vivo evaluation. Results demonstrated that TDF suppressed the inflammatory response in ear tissues and levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig)E and OVA-specific IgE in serum. TDF inhibited the production of interleukin (IL)-4 and expression of GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3) transcription factor which regulates the differentiation of naïve T helper (Th) cells into Th2 cells in OVA-stimulated splenocytes. TDF inhibited Th1-associated cytokine interferon-γ and IL-12 production and downregulated the expression of Th1 specific transcription factor T-box 21 in OVA-stimulated splenocytes. Overall, these results indicated that TDF attenuates OVA-induced allergic immune response by suppressing the production of Th2 specific cytokine IL-4, through inhibiting transcription factor GATA-3, and suggests that TDF may exhibit the potential to regulate the immune response in allergic diseases.