Role of Vitamin D in the Induction of Regulatory T Cells Producing Interleukin 10 in Children with Cow Milk Allergy

Abstract

Cow milk allergy is believed to be either IgE mediated or Non-IgE mediated. Regulatory T cell dysfunction has been identified as a contributing factor in both mechanisms. This study aims at determining the percentage of induced regulatory T cells producing IL10 in vitro after stimulation with milk allergen in presence of vitamin D. This study conducted on 20 children diagnosed as having clinically active cow milk allergy. They were positive for SPT and oral challenge and diet elimination tests. Vitamin D insufficiency was detected in 80% these patients. Percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells was also decreased. No significant correlation was detected between serum level of vitamin D and percentage of peripheral blood Treg cell. Number of Foxp+/IL10+ regulatory T cells as well as the percent of Foxp3 and IL10 co-expression showed marked increase in culture in presence of vitamin D especially in those patients who had vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D has a protective role in food allergic diseases as it has a direct effect on IL10 producing regulatory T cells which known by their role in development of peripheral tolerance to food allergens. Vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended in the management of food allergy.