Laura Meulenbroek

Dr. Laura Meulenbroek


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

12Years (2015-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
19 October 2020 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BABilal Alashkar Alhamwe
Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
LMLaura Meulenbroek
Laura Meulenbroek
DVDésirée Veening-Griffioen
Désirée Veening-Griffioen
TWTjalling M. D. Wehkamp
Tjalling M. D. Wehkamp
FAFahd Alhamdan
Fahd Alhamdan
MTMachteld Tiemessen
Machteld Tiemessen
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy against cow’s milk protein fractions such as whey is one of the most common food-related allergic disorders of early childhood. Histone acetylation is an important epigenetic mechanism, shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of allergies. However, its role in food allergy remains unknown. IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy was successfully induced in a mouse model, as demonstrated by acute allergic symptoms, whey-specific IgE in serum, and the activation of mast cells upon a challenge with whey protein. The elicited allergic response coincided with reduced percentages of regulatory T (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, matching decreased levels of H3 and/or H4 histone acetylation at pivotal Treg and Th17 loci, an epigenetic status favoring lower gene expression. In addition, histone acetylation levels at the crucial T helper 1 (Th1) loci were decreased, most probably preceding the expected reduction in Th1 cells after inducing an allergic response. No changes were observed for T helper 2 cells. However, increased histone acetylation levels, promoting gene expression, were observed at the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6) gene, a proallergic B cell locus, which was in line with the presence of whey-specific IgE. In conclusion, the observed histone acetylation changes are pathobiologically in line with the successful induction of cow’s milk allergy, to which they might have also contributed mechanistically.

16 May 2015 in Clinical & Experimental Allergy
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
LMLaura Meulenbroek
Laura Meulenbroek
LKL. M. J. Knippels
L. M. J. Knippels