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Published on: May 30, 2013
Characterization of CD127- CD25++ Treg from human colostrum
Arturo Cérbulo-Vázquez1, Graciela Hernández-Peláez2, Lourdes A Arriaga-Pizano3
1PECEM, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
Problem:
Breastfeeding's influence on the tolerance to environmental antigens is essential for short- and long-term homeostasis for children. Colostrum is rich in leucocytes, but it is unknown whether regulatory T cells (Treg) account for part of this cell population.
Method Of Study:
Frequencies of CD127- CD25++ Treg and levels of immunoregulatory-associated cell markers were determined in colostrum and were compared with autologous blood cells. In addition, we evaluated whether the birth conditions can affect these features.
Results:
Higher frequencies of CD127 - CD25++ Treg cells expressing Foxp3 and CD45RO were observed in the colostrum. The cells' CD25, CD152, CD279, and TGF-β expression levels were greater than those in autologous blood cells. In addition, the CD279 and TGF-β expressions of colostrum CD127- CD25++ Treg cells were influenced by gestational age and delivery mode.
Conclusion:
The higher proportion of these cells with a function-associated phenotype may reflect certain tolerogenic effects of breastmilk on newborns and infants, contributing to immune system homeostasis.

