Oral administration of hot water extracts of Chlorella vulgaris reduces IgE production against milk casein in mice

Abstract Hot water extract of Chlorella vulgaris (CVE) is a biological response modifier (BRM) which enhances resistance to Listeria monocytogenes through augmentation of helper T cell type 1 (Th1) responses producing gamma-interferon ( γ IFN). We show here that oral administration of CVE in mice suppressed the production of immunoglobulin (Ig)E against casein antigen accompanied by increased γ IFN and IL-12 mRNA expression. Oral administration of CVE enhanced Th1 response to casein in the spleen of casein immunized mice. CVE may be useful for prevention of allergic diseases with a predominant Th2 response.