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Modulation of immune function by milk fat globule membrane isolates
R Zanabria1, A M Tellez1, M Griffiths1
1Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W5 Canada.
Insights
Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) isolate suppressed immune cell activation without affecting proliferation or causing cell death. MFGM demonstrated potential as a functional ingredient modulating immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The immunomodulatory effects of minor milk components, specifically milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), are not fully elucidated.
- Understanding MFGM's impact on mammalian immune function is crucial for its application in functional foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro immunomodulatory capacity of a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) isolate.
- To assess MFGM's effects on murine splenocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokine production.
Main Methods:
- Splenocyte proliferation assays were conducted.
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis.
- Cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4) was measured.
- Cells were stimulated with polyclonal activators like concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide.
Main Results:
- MFGM isolate did not affect basal splenocyte proliferation but suppressed it in the presence of polyclonal activators.
- Flow cytometry results ruled out apoptosis as the mechanism for immune modulation.
- MFGM significantly decreased the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, indicating suppression of splenocyte activation.
- The effect on IL-4 production was less pronounced compared to IFN-γ and TNF-α.
- MFGM exhibited differential activity depending on the stimulant used (concanavalin A vs. lipopolysaccharide).
Conclusions:
- Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) isolate possesses immunomodulatory properties.
- MFGM suppresses splenocyte activation, potentially through mechanisms other than apoptosis.
- MFGM extracts show promise as bioactive functional ingredients for modulating immune responses.
Abstract:
The nutritional value and characterization of minor milk components on mammalian immune function are not fully understood. The aim of this research was to test the ability of a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) isolate to modulate murine immune function in vitro, by studying its effects on splenocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokine production. Proliferation of spleen cells was not affected by the MFGM isolate; however, in the presence of polyclonal activators, the MFGM isolate suppressed cell proliferation. Results obtained by flow cytometry did not support programmed cell death as the cause of the MFGM immune-modulating capacity. A mode of suppression on the splenocyte activation process was suggested from a marked decrease in the production of IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α cytokines, typical indicators of immune cell activation. The effect of MFGM on IL-4 secretion was significantly less than that for the other 2 cytokines. The activity exerted by the MFGM over concanavalin A-stimulated cells differed from that observed in cells treated with lipopolysaccharide, suggesting a different mode of action depending on the activator used. These results indicate the potential of MFGM extracts as functional ingredients with bioactive modulating capacity.
