Immunoglobulin G from bovine milk primes intestinal epithelial cells for increased colonization of bifidobacteria

Sinead T Morrin,Deirdre Kennedy,Jane A Irwin,Geoffrey Mccarthy,Mariarosaria Marotta,Rita M Hickey

doi:10.1186/s13568-020-01048-w

Sinead T Morrin, Deirdre Kennedy + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-020-01048-w

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Abstract

A bovine colostrum fraction (BCF) was recently shown to enhance the adherence of several commensal organisms to intestinal epithelial cells through modulating the epithelial cell surface. In this study, the main components of the BCF were examined to investigate the active component/s responsible for driving the changes in the intestinal cells. The adherence of various bifidobacteria to HT-29 cells was increased when the intestinal cells were pre-incubated with immunoglobulin G (IgG). Modulation of the intestinal cells by IgG was concentration dependent with 16 mg/mL IgG resulting in a 43-fold increase in the adhesion of Bifidobacterium longum NCIMB 8809 to HT-29 cells. Periodate treatment of colostral IgG prior to performing the colonization studies resulted in a reduction in the adhesion of the strain to the intestinal cells demonstrating that the glycans of IgG may be important in modulating the intestinal cells for enhanced commensal adhesion. IgG isolated from mature milk also resulted in significant increases in adhesion of the Bifidobacterium strains tested albeit at reduced levels (3.9-fold). The impact of IgG on the HT-29 cells was also visualised via scanning electron microscopy. This study builds a strong case for the inclusion of IgG ingredients sourced from cow’s milk in functional foods aimed at increasing numbers of health promoting bacteria in the human gut.

Highlights

Bifidobacteria are among the first bacteria to colonize the human gastrointestinal tract and are believed to confer beneficial health benefits on their host (O’Callaghan and van Sinderen 2016; Plaza-Diaz et al 2018)
We recently demonstrated via in vitro assays that bovine colostrum modifies the intestinal cell surface, and in turn the attachment of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli (Morrin et al 2019a)
Most likely‚ much of the remaining TS in the bovine colostrum fraction (BCF) consists of inorganic mineral matter which is present in bovine milk at levels up to 7–8 g/L (Luce and Horne 2009)

Summary

Introduction

Bifidobacteria are among the first bacteria to colonize the human gastrointestinal tract and are believed to confer beneficial health benefits on their host (O’Callaghan and van Sinderen 2016; Plaza-Diaz et al 2018). The milk secreted by cows during the first few days after parturition is known as colostrum It contains many essential nutrients and bioactive constituents, including immunoglobulins, growth factors, α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and β-lactoglobulin (β-lg), lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin (LF), nucleosides, cytokines, vitamins, peptides and oligosaccharides, all of which are relevant to gut health (Pecka-Kielb et al 2018). Poulsen et al (2017) demonstrated that there was a higher abundance of LAB genera (for example, Lactococcus and Leuconostoc) observed in bovine colostrumfed piglets when compared with milk replacer-fed piglets Another recent study demonstrated its effectiveness in decreasing intestinal permeability in athletes during peak training for competition (Halasa et al 2017). While these studies demonstrate bovine colostrum can modulate the intestinal epithelium and the gut microbiota profile, the exact mechanisms by which these changes occur and the individual milk components responsible remain largely unknown

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