Induction of Immune Tolerance by Maillard Reaction Product of Mactra quadrangularis Crude Extract in Food-Allergic Mice

The hypoallergenic of Maillard reaction product of Mactra quadrangularis crude extract (Mactra-Xyl) has been confirmed, its ability to induce oral tolerance remains unclear. In this study, Mactra-Xyl appeared light-yellow, exhibited increased responses to aromatic compounds and organic sulfides, and its biological safety was favorable. In bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) model in vitro, Mactra-Xyl was found to significantly reduce BMDCs maturation compared to Mactra while increasing IL-10 and TGF-β secretion, suggesting the induction of tolerogenic DCs. In a BALB/c mice food allergy model, Mactra-Xyl administration significantly reduced serum levels of specific IgE, mast cell protease, and IL-4 compared to Mactra group. Conversely, it increased specific IgG2a, Treg cells, IFN-γ, and TGF-β cytokines, thereby modulating the Th1/Th2 immune balance and alleviating allergic responses. These findings could provide a theoretical basis for developing functional foods to mitigate clam allergies.