Prenatal and early-life exposures alter expression of innate immunity genes: the PASTURE cohort study
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Farming exposures, like raw farm milk, increase innate immunity receptor gene expression in infants. This early-life immune system change may influence allergy development.
Area Of Science
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
Background
- Farming environments are linked to altered immune system development.
- Gene expression of innate immunity receptors can be upregulated by farming exposures.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate environmental and nutritional exposures impacting innate immunity receptor gene expression.
- To analyze these associations during pregnancy and early childhood.
Main Methods
- Utilized the PASTURE birth cohort study (1133 pregnant women).
- Assessed mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 1-9 and CD14 in blood samples at birth and year 1.
- Correlated environmental exposures (questionnaires, diaries) and gene polymorphisms with receptor gene expression using ANOVA and regression.
Main Results
- Neonates of farmers showed higher innate immunity receptor gene expression, particularly TLR7 and TLR8.
- Raw farm milk consumption in the first year was strongly associated with increased mRNA expression of TLR4, TLR5, and TLR6.
- A previously reported genetic modification of CD14 gene expression by farm milk was not replicated.
Conclusions
- Farming exposures, including raw farm milk, are associated with altered innate immunity receptor gene expression in early life.
- These immune system changes may underlie the previously observed protective effects of farming environments against allergies.