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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Infants
Karina M Tonon1, Somchai Chutipongtanate1, Ardythe L Morrow1
1Department of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
Insights
Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS) show promise in protecting infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. hMOS may reduce viral load and inflammation, potentially offering a new strategy against RSV disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a primary cause of infant lower respiratory infections and mortality.
- Infant responses to RSV vary widely, from mild to severe, necessitating effective preventative measures.
- Breastfed infants exhibit reduced incidence and severity of RSV infections, suggesting protective roles of human milk components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the role of human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS) in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and disease.
- To explore both direct and indirect mechanisms by which hMOS may confer protection against RSV.
- To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions concerning hMOS and RSV.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on hMOS, RSV infection, and infant health.
- Analysis of studies investigating the direct effects of hMOS on RSV in cell cultures.
- Examination of research on indirect mechanisms, including the impact of hMOS on gut microbiota and infant health outcomes.
Main Results:
- hMOS have demonstrated the ability to reduce viral load and inflammatory signaling in RSV-infected respiratory cells.
- hMOS may influence the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and their metabolites.
- Infant formula supplemented with synthetic hMOS has been linked to a reduction in lower respiratory tract infections.
Conclusions:
- hMOS represent a promising approach for protecting infants against RSV infection and disease.
- Both direct antiviral effects and indirect modulation of the gut microbiome contribute to hMOS-mediated protection.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and optimize the use of hMOS for RSV prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
In infants worldwide, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory infections, including bronchiolitis, which is a major source of infant mortality. Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory infection and the major cause of hospitalization in the first 6 mo of life. Infant responses to RSV infection are highly diverse, with symptoms varying from asymptomatic or mild to so severe as to require mechanical ventilation. Breastfed infants present a lower incidence and less severe forms of RSV lower respiratory infections. Among the multitude of human milk bioactive compounds, human milk oligosaccharides (hMOSs) are strong candidates for having a protective effect against RSV. hMOS reduces the viral load and the inflammatory signaling in cultured RSV-infected respiratory human cells. In addition to this direct effect, indirect mechanisms, notably gut microbiota composition and metabolism, have been proposed to mediate the protective effect of hMOS. Intake of infant formula containing synthetic hMOS has been shown to increase Bifidobacterium abundance and that of its metabolites, especially acetate, in infant feces and to reduce lower respiratory tract infections during the first year of life. Breastfeeding and the use of hMOS are promising approaches to protect against and treat RSV disease. Here, we review current evidence on the role of hMOS with regard to RSV infection and disease, attending to knowledge gaps and future research directions.
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