Lactobacillus reuteri–induced Regulatory T cells Protect against an Allergic Airway Response in Mice

RATIONALE: We have previously demonstrated that oral treatment with live Lactobacillus reuteri can attenuate major characteristics of the asthmatic response in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be determined. OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that regulatory T cells play a major role in mediating L. reuteri-induced attenuation of the allergic airway response.