D2.204 - Allergic potential of plant-derived oils: in vitro murine model of allergies

Environmental and dietary components, including plant-derived oils, can significantly influence immune responses and contribute to allergic inflammation. In this study, we compared the immune-modulating and potential allergenic effects of four different natural oils: thyme, hazelnut, pine, and eucalyptus by using an in vitro murine model. We challenged spleen cells and lamina propria lymphocytes to measure both peripheral and mucosal responses.

Spleen cells and intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes were isolated. Cells were stimulated by plant-derived essential oils in vitro in cell cultures. MTT Assay was performed to measure cell viability. T helper cell (Th) polarization was determined by flow cytometry.

We determined IFN-g expressing Th1, IL-2 expressing Th2 and IL-17 expressing Th17 responses. Th1/Th2 balance was calculated for both peripheral and mucosal lymphocyte populations. B lymphocyte populations were studied as well. Our results showed distinct oil-specific and concentration-dependent effects on immune cell viability and activation.  We observed different patterns of cytokine expressing Th cells suggesting that different oils favored Th2 or Th17 immune responses. 

Notably, immune responses were different between the systemic (spleen) and mucosal (lamina propria) areas. In conclusion, this study provides a comparison of how selected natural oils affect immune cell viability, phenotype, and cytokine production. These findings contribute to our understanding how plant-derived oils can differentially affect allergic and inflammatory immune responses. This is also the first original study evaluating intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes involvement in potential allergic reactions.