Fig. 1. Sensitization and challenge protocols for the experimental murine model.

BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized/challenged and orally administered saline (OVA group), OVA-sensitized/challenged and orally administered LFK (LFK-fed group), and non-sensitized and orally administered saline (saline control group). Mice in the OVA group and the LFK group were sensitized by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0.1 mg OVA and 2 mg Al(OH)₃ in a volume of 0.2 mL on d 0, 7, and 14 and were subsequently challenged intranasally (i.n.) daily with 20 µL OVA solution (50 mg/mL) on d 21 to 27 and on alternate days from d 29 to 41. The LFK-fed mice were fed 60 mg LFK, and the mice in the control group were orally administered 0.5 mL saline during the period of sensitization and challenge.