Multidimensional study of the oral microbiome, metabolite, and immunologic environment in peanut allergy

The oral mucosa is the initial interface between food antigens, microbiota, and mucosal immunity, yet, little is known about oral host-environment dynamics in food allergy. Our aim was to determine oral microbial, metabolic, and immunologic profiles associated with peanut allergy. We recruited 105 subjects (56 with peanut allergy and 49 healthy subjects) for salivary microbiome profiling using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolite assays using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and measurement of oral secreted cytokines using multiplex assays. Analyses within and across data types were performed. The oral microbiome of individuals with peanut allergy was characterized by reduced species in the orders Lactobacillales, Bacteroidales (Prevotella spp), and Bacillales, and increased Neisseriales spp. The distinct oral microbiome of subjects with peanut allergy was accompanied by significant reductions in oral SCFA levels, including acetate, butyrate, and propionate, and significant elevation of IL-4 secretion. Decreased abundances of oral Prevotella spp and Veillonella spp in subjects with peanut allergy were significantly correlated with reduced oral SCFA levels (false discovery rate