Abstract
BackgroundBreastfeeding provides a protective effect against infectious diseases in infancy. Still, immunological evidence for enhanced adaptive immunity in breastfed children remains inconclusive.ObjectiveTo determine whether breastfeeding affects B- and T-cell memory in the first years of life.MethodsWe performed immunophenotypic analysis on blood samples within a population-based prospective cohort study. Participants included children at 6 months (n=258), 14 months (n=166), 25 months (n=112) and 6 years of age (n=332) with both data on breastfeeding and blood lymphocytes. Total B- and T-cell numbers and their memory subsets were determined with 6-color flow cytometry. Mothers completed questionnaires on breastfeeding when their children were aged 2, 6, and 12 months. Multiple linear regression models with adjustments for potential confounders were performed.ResultsPer month continuation of breastfeeding, a 3% (95% CI -6, -1) decrease in CD27+IgM+, a 2% (95 CI % -5, -1) decrease in CD27+IgA+ and a 2% (95% CI -4, -1) decrease in CD27-IgG+ memory B cell numbers were observed at 6 months of age. CD8 T-cell numbers at 6 months of age were 20% (95% CI 3, 37) higher in breastfed than in non-breastfed infants. This was mainly found for central memory CD8 T cells and associated with exposure to breast milk, rather than duration. The same trend was observed at 14 months, but associations disappeared at older ages.ConclusionsLonger breastfeeding is associated with increased CD8 T-cell memory, but not B-cell memory numbers in the first 6 months of life. This transient skewing towards T cell memory might contribute to the protective effect against infectious diseases in infancy.
Highlights
Breast milk contains factors that enhance nutrient absorption, stimulate growth and enhance the defense against pathogens [1]
Per month continuation of breastfeeding, a 3% decrease in CD27+IgM+, a 2% (95 CI % -5, -1) decrease in CD27+IgA+ and a 2% decrease in CD27IgG+ memory B cell numbers were observed at 6 months of age
This was mainly found for central memory CD8 T cells and associated with exposure to PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone
Summary
Breast milk contains factors that enhance nutrient absorption, stimulate growth and enhance the defense against pathogens [1]. Each B and T cell generates a unique antigen receptor during precursor differentiation in bone marrow or thymus, respectively. Those cells that recognize antigen with their receptor will undergo clonal proliferation and are involved in the antigen response. In addition to CD27naive B cells, six memory B-cell subsets can be identified [11] Four of these express CD27 and are either positive for IgM, IgM and IgD, IgA or IgG. CD27-IgA+ and CD27-IgG + memory B cells can be identified. Breastfeeding provides a protective effect against infectious diseases in infancy. Immunological evidence for enhanced adaptive immunity in breastfed children remains inconclusive
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