Dietary bovine osteopontin increases vaccine response, T‐cell phenotype and cytokine secretion in piglets (623.7)

Abstract

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional milk protein with immunoregulatory activities. Herein, the impact of the addition of bovine OPN to formula on influenza vaccination response, T‐cell phenotype and ex vivo cytokine secretion was assessed. Newborn piglets were fed formula alone (FF), formula+140 mg/L OPN (OPN) or were sow‐reared (SR) for 21d. Half the piglets in each diet group were vaccinated (FZ) against human influenza (Fluzone, Sanofi Pasteur) on d7 and 14. Blood samples were collected on d21 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated for flow cytometry and ex vivo stimulation assays. Serum FZ‐specific IgG in OPN piglets was significantly greater than FF and was comparable to SR. Dietary OPN increased the percentage of CD4+ (T‐helper cells), while vaccination alone led to a higher percentage of natural killer (NK) cells in PBMCs. Dietary OPN alone, or in combination with vaccination, increased PHA‐induced secretion of IL‐12 and IL‐10 by PBMC ex vivo. Secretion of IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐12 were highest in PBMCs from the OPN group upon LPS stimulation. These findings indicate that OPN modulates both cell‐mediated and humoral immune response to the influenza vaccine. Furthermore, the addition of OPN to formula may support immune responses more similar to those observed in breast‐fed infants.Grant Funding Source: Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S