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Abstract In this study we showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469 strain can modulate the TH1/TH2 balance by reducing TH2 cytokine (IL4) release and enhancing TH1 cytokine production (IFN-γ). The same effect was also obtained by the C-phycocyanin, pigmented extract from the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis. The mechanism by which Lactobacillus rhamnosus exerted this effect seemed to be their cell wall composition, as the results obtained by dead bacteria were similar to those obtained by the living ones. The safety of lactobacilli is very good; it could be a future treatment for allergy. As the best anti-allergic effects of these bacteria was obtained when acting in absence of the allergen, it is better to use this bacteria in the prophylaxis rather than in treatment of allergic attacks. As the bacteria gave quite similar results in patients and healthy subjects, we assume that it could be a permissive line of prevention of allergy. The effect of C-PC was very good for the allergic group as it induced IFN-γ and decreased IL4, so, it could be considered as a line of prevention of allergic attacks in atopic individuals .However, It induced considerable IL4 levels in control group, but still the most potent IFN-γ inducer in this group, so, it needs further investigation for its value in healthy subjects. As Spirulina platensis and its content C-phycocyanin are generally safe , they could be a new promising anti allergic therapy. |