Arturo Cérbulo-Vázquez1, Graciela Hernández-Peláez2, Lourdes A Arriaga-Pizano3, Paulina Bautista-Pérez4,5, Jannett Romero-Venado4,6, Julio C Flores-González4,7, Ricardo Figueroa-Damian4, Diana Soriano-Becerril4, Ismael Mancilla-Herrera4. 1. PECEM, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico. 2. Nursing Department, National Institute of Perinatology (INPer), Mexico City, Mexico. 3. Medical Research Unit in Immunochemistry, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico. 4. Infectology and Immunology Department, National Institute of Perinatology (INPer), Mexico City, Mexico. 5. Biology Undergraduate Programme, Simon Bolivar University, Mexico City, Mexico. 6. Chemical Pharmaceutical Biology Undergraduate Programme, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico. 7. Chemical and Biological Sciences Postgraduate Programme, Instituo Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract
PROBLEM: Breastfeeding's influence on the tolerance to environmental antigens is essential for short- and long-term homeostasis for children. Colostrum is rich in leucocytes, but it is unknown whether regulatory T cells (Treg) account for part of this cell population. METHOD OF STUDY: Frequencies of CD127- CD25++ Treg and levels of immunoregulatory-associated cell markers were determined in colostrum and were compared with autologous blood cells. In addition, we evaluated whether the birth conditions can affect these features. RESULTS: Higher frequencies of CD127 - CD25++ Treg cells expressing Foxp3 and CD45RO were observed in the colostrum. The cells' CD25, CD152, CD279, and TGF-β expression levels were greater than those in autologous blood cells. In addition, the CD279 and TGF-β expressions of colostrum CD127- CD25++ Treg cells were influenced by gestational age and delivery mode. CONCLUSION: The higher proportion of these cells with a function-associated phenotype may reflect certain tolerogenic effects of breastmilk on newborns and infants, contributing to immune system homeostasis.
PROBLEM: Breastfeeding's influence on the tolerance to environmental antigens is essential for short- and long-term homeostasis for children. Colostrum is rich in leucocytes, but it is unknown whether regulatory T cells (Treg) account for part of this cell population. METHOD OF STUDY: Frequencies of CD127- CD25++ Treg and levels of immunoregulatory-associated cell markers were determined in colostrum and were compared with autologous blood cells. In addition, we evaluated whether the birth conditions can affect these features. RESULTS: Higher frequencies of CD127 - CD25++ Treg cells expressing Foxp3 and CD45RO were observed in the colostrum. The cells' CD25, CD152, CD279, and TGF-β expression levels were greater than those in autologous blood cells. In addition, the CD279 and TGF-β expressions of colostrum CD127- CD25++ Treg cells were influenced by gestational age and delivery mode. CONCLUSION: The higher proportion of these cells with a function-associated phenotype may reflect certain tolerogenic effects of breastmilk on newborns and infants, contributing to immune system homeostasis.