The 24 kDa protein (Fag e 1) in buckwheat is considered to be one of its major allergens. The purpose of this study is to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of hypoallergenic Fag e 1 prepared by glycation with polysaccharide on mucosal allergenic responses in mice. Mannan-type-polysaccharide such as galactomannan (GalM), konjac glucomannan (KGM), and yeast glucomannan (YGM) showed attenuation of IL-4 and IL-17 production and elevation of IL-10 in cultured Peyer’s patch (PP) cells. The conjugate of Fag e 1 with GalM, KGM, or YGM was prepared using naturally occurring Maillard-type glycosylation. Dietary administration with Fag e 1-YGM conjugate for 8 weeks induced a significant reduction in Fag e 1-specific IgE and IgG1 levels and elevation in IgA level in sera and PP cells. A decrease in IL-4 and IL-17 and increase in IL-10 in PP cells were observed in the group of Fag e 1-YGM conjugate. Differentiation ratio of regulatory T cells (Treg) and T follicular helper cells in PP increased by feeding with Fag e 1-YGM conjugate. These suggest that Fag e 1-YGM conjugate could be contribute to the development of an immunomodulatory hypoallergenic agent for buckwheat allergy.
