Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Induction Is Mediated by the Major Whey Proteins α-Lactalbumin and β-Lactoglobulin through the NF-κB Pathway in Immune Cells.

α-Lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin are two major whey proteins that specifically bind immunoglobulin E and are suspected as major allergens causing cow's milk allergy (CMA). Recent studies have shown that thymic stromal lymphopoietin is a critical factor linking at the interface of the body and environment to the T-helper 2 response. However, it is not known whether thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression is changed by α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin in immune cells. Using RT-PCR and ELISA, the present study was conducted to examine if intravenous injection of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, T-helper 2 cytokines, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in several immune cells, including macrophages, mast cells, and keratinocytes. Results showed that α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression. It was concluded that the allergenicity of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin may be attributed to thymic stromal lymphopoietin induction, T-helper 2 cytokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.