Abstract:Soybean glycinin and β-conglycinin represent up to one third of protein in the soybean. Previous studies indicated that glycinin and β-conglycinin have been characterized as major soybean allergens involved in food allergy. To elucidate the mechanism of mucosal immune-mediated gut allergic reaction induced by soybean glycinin and β-conglyinin, and offered reasons for outcome or preventing of food allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Balb/c mice were sensitized by gavages with 1 mg/d of glycinin or β-conglycinin for 5 weeks, and T lymphocytes and α4β7 integrin in the intestinal lamina propria and epithelium were counted by immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic lymphocytes in the small intestinal mucosa were analyzed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL) assay, Intestinal secretory-IgA was measured by ELISA. The results showed that increased counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin as well as sIgA level were observed in mice dosed with 1 mg/d soybean protein.