Related Experiment Videos
Effect of undernutrition on the immune response to rotavirus infection in mice
F Ahmed1, D B Jones, A A Jackson
1Department of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton, UK.
Abstract:
The effect of moderate and severe undernutrition on the immune response to EDIM rotavirus was studied in mice. A moderate state of undernutrition was produced by feeding weanling mice either 15 or 30% less diet than the control group had eaten on the previous day, for 7 weeks. After 6 weeks, mice were given 30 microliters/mouse of EDIM rotavirus orally and the antibody production was measured 1 week later. The delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to picryl chloride (PC) was measured as an index of cell-mediated immunity. For severe undernutrition, weanling mice were fed either 30 or 50% less diet than the control group had eaten on the previous day, for 12 weeks. After 11 weeks of feeding, animals were given 30 microliters/mouse of EDIM rotavirus either orally or intramuscularly and the antibody production was measured 1 week later. In moderate undernutrition, the serum antibody levels specific to rotavirus and the DTH response to PC were normal in all dietary groups compared with the control group. In severe undernutrition, the antibody levels following oral challenge of rotavirus were similar in all dietary groups. There was a significant impairment of serum antibody levels following intramuscular challenge in the group fed 50% less than the control group. It is concluded (1) that a balanced reduction in food intake does not impair the immune response, unless severe restriction is maintained for a long period of time, and (2) that the antibody response varies with the route of immunization.
Insights
Moderate undernutrition does not impact immune responses to rotavirus. Severe, prolonged food restriction can impair antibody production, especially with intramuscular immunization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Virology
Background:
- Undernutrition is a global health concern impacting immune function.
- Rotavirus infections pose a significant threat, particularly to vulnerable populations.
- Understanding the interplay between nutrition and immunity is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of moderate and severe undernutrition on the immune response to EDIM rotavirus in mice.
- To assess the impact of different dietary restriction levels and durations on antibody production and cell-mediated immunity.
- To determine if the route of immunization influences the immune response under conditions of nutritional stress.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to moderate (15-30% calorie restriction) or severe (30-50% calorie restriction) undernutrition for 7 or 12 weeks, respectively.
- Animals were orally or intramuscularly challenged with EDIM rotavirus.
- Serum antibody levels specific to rotavirus were measured.
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to picryl chloride (PC) was assessed as an indicator of cell-mediated immunity.
Main Results:
- Moderate undernutrition did not alter rotavirus-specific antibody levels or DTH responses.
- Severe undernutrition for 12 weeks did not affect antibody levels after oral rotavirus challenge.
- A significant reduction in antibody levels was observed following intramuscular rotavirus challenge in mice with severe undernutrition (50% restriction).
Conclusions:
- Balanced dietary restriction does not necessarily impair immune responses.
- Severe and prolonged undernutrition can compromise specific antibody production, particularly depending on the route of antigen exposure.
- The route of immunization plays a critical role in the observed antibody response under conditions of severe nutritional deficiency.