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Published on: July 15, 2019
Human milk can neutralize Coxsackievirus B4 in vitro
F Sane1, E K Alidjinou, N Kacet
1University Lille 2, Faculty de Medicine, CHRU Lille, Laboratory of Virology EA3610, Loos-lez-Lille 59120, France.
Journal of Medical Virology
|February 15, 2013
Summary
Breast milk contains compounds that neutralize enteroviruses, potentially protecting against type 1 diabetes. However, activity varies significantly based on donor location and conditions, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Enteroviruses are suspected contributors to type 1 diabetes pathogenesis.
- Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes, suggesting a potential protective mechanism.
- The specific role of breast milk's antiviral properties against enteroviruses remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro neutralizing activity of human breast milk against Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4), a representative enterovirus.
- To explore factors influencing breast milk's anti-enteroviral activity, including geographical origin and processing.
- To determine the contribution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) to the observed neutralizing effects.
Main Methods:
- Assessed breast milk cytotoxicity and its inhibitory effect on CVB4-induced cytopathic effects in Hep-2 cells.
- Quantified anti-CVB4 neutralizing activity in breast milk from donors in France and Congo.
- Compared activity in fresh versus pasteurized colostrum and investigated the role of IgA using jacalin-coated beads.
Main Results:
- Aqueous fractions of breast milk inhibited CVB4's cytopathic effect, demonstrating neutralizing activity.
- Breast milk from Congolese donors exhibited significantly higher anti-CVB4 activity than that from French donors.
- Pasteurization reduced anti-CVB4 activity, and IgA was identified as a key component of this neutralization.
Conclusions:
- Human breast milk possesses in vitro enterovirus-neutralizing properties, primarily mediated by IgA.
- Environmental and living conditions appear to influence breast milk's antiviral potency.
- Further investigation is needed to determine if reduced breast milk activity against enteroviruses increases type 1 diabetes risk in newborns.
