Immunological response in mice immunised via oral route with açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

The acai berry (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a typical fruit of the Amazon region. The consumption of the acai pulp has grown in both the national and international markets due to its high nutritional and energetic value. The pulp is also rich in phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanin, giving it antioxidant properties and thereby also the status of being a functional food. This study aims to evaluate the immunological response in mice immunised via oral route with lyophilised acai pulp (LAP). Swiss mice were immunised by oral route with 200 µg of LAP. Specific antibodies (IgE and IgG1) were detected in the serum through the methods enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting with immunoprecipitation. The results therefore suggest that the acai berry can be considered a food allergen. Further studies are required to elucidate the immunological mechanisms involved in the allergic reaction to acai.