Microbial and immune modulation by 2'-fucosyllactose supplementation during gestation: a strategy to prevent food allergies

Food allergies are linked to dysfunctions of the gut microbiota, the immune system, and the intestinal epithelial barrier, leading to impaired tolerance from birth. We hypothesized that a diet enriched with the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), during pregnancy would promote the establishment of these systems and protect the child against food allergies.

We previously demonstrated that, in our mouse model, 2'-FL protected offspring from food allergies by suppressing allergic symptoms and reducing associated biomarkers (Rousseaux et al., Allergy, 2024). This new study explored the microbial, immune, metabolic, and physiological dimensions of the gut in mothers, fetuses, and offspring to understand the mechanisms underlying this protection.

2’-FL supplementation during gestation significantly altered the maternal gut microbiota and induced regulatory B cells, which were also observed in fetuses. Furthermore, offspring from 2’-FL-supplemented mothers had a distinct microbiota, a strengthened intestinal barrier, and an increased frequency of regulatory B cells.

Our results demonstrate that 2’-FL supplementation during gestation induces lasting beneficial changes, protecting offspring against food allergies.

Contact: Bodinier Marie