Proteolytic action of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CRL 656 reduces antigenic response to bovine β-lactoglobulin

► The allergenic whey protein β-lactoglobulin was hydrolysed by L. bulgaricus CRL656. ► The strain cleaved three main epitopes of β-lactoglobulin (BLG). ► BLG allergenicity, assessed with sera from allergic children, was reduced in vitro. ► The studied strain could be used for formulating novel hypoallergenic foods. ► It is the first study on the allergenic response of hydrolysed BLG by Lactobacillus.