The protective effects of human milk components, 2′-fucosyllactose and osteopontin, against 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice

[Display omitted] •Administration of 2′-FL and OPN attenuates DNCB-induced AD-like skinlesion in mice.•2′-FL and OPN treatment decreases IgE elevation and mast cell infiltration in AD mice.•2′-FL and OPN regulate Th2 cells and Th2-related cytokines in DNCB-induced AD mice.•2′-FL and OPN suppress in vitro Th2 cell differentiation. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with high morbidity in infants. Several bioactive components of human milk, such as 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and osteopontin(OPN), are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This study determined that oral administration of 2′-FL and OPN significantly attenuated the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD symptoms in BALB/c mice. 2′-FL and OPN treatment markedly downregulated the serum IgE level and decreased the numbers of mast cells and eosinophils in the dermal tissues from DNCB-sensitized mice. Interestingly, we found that the combination of OPN with 2′-FL produced a great therapeutic effect on AD in mice. Additionally, the result showed that the components suppressed Th2 response, resulting in an attenuated cutaneous inflammatory response. Furthermore, in vitro study validated that 2′-FL and OPN inhibited Th2 cells differentiation. Together, we conclude that 2′-FL and OPN ameliorates DNCB-induced AD-like skin inflammation, and its supplement might help to prevent AD in infants.