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Published on: January 27, 2019
Probiotic effects on T-cell maturation in infants during weaning
C E West1, O Hernell, Y Andersson
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Summary
Feeding the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 (LF19) to infants modulated T-cell responses, potentially impacting immune development. This suggests probiotics may influence T-cell maturation and allergic disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Previous research indicated that Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 (LF19) probiotic supplementation during weaning reduced eczema incidence.
- Infant immune system development is complex and influenced by early-life exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of LF19 probiotic supplementation on T-cell maturation in healthy infants.
- To explore the impact of LF19 on adaptive immunity and specific T-cell responses.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 179 healthy infants aged 4-13 months, receiving either LF19-supplemented or placebo cereals.
- Cytokine mRNA expression (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-10) was measured following polyclonal and tetanus toxoid (TT) stimulation at 5.5 and 13 months.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed at 5.5 months.
- At 13 months, the probiotic group showed higher IFN-γ/IL-2 and IL-17A/IL-2 ratios after polyclonal stimulation and a stronger TT-specific IL-17A response.
- Both groups exhibited increased IFN-γ and IL-4 responses over time, while IL-10 remained low.
Conclusions:
- Nine months of LF19 intake demonstrated modest effects on T-cell maturation, particularly influencing Th1 and Th17 pathways.
- Findings suggest that specific probiotics may play a role in immune development and potentially prevent allergic diseases.
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