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Maternal T-lymphocytes in equine colostrum express a primarily inflammatory phenotype

Gillian A Perkins1, Laura B Goodman2, Christine Wimer2

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|September 2, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Maternal immune cells in mare colostrum, particularly CD8(+) T-cells, show a distinct inflammatory profile. These cells are enriched in colostrum and polarized towards IL-17 and IFN-γ production, suggesting a role in neonatal immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Equine immunology
  • Maternal-fetal immunology
  • Colostral immunology

Background:

  • Colostrum plays a crucial role in transferring maternal immunity to neonates.
  • Understanding the cellular composition and function of immune cells in equine colostrum is vital for foal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the phenotypes and cytokine secretion profiles of maternal immune cells within mare colostrum.
  • To compare colostral immune cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in mares.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell phenotypes.
  • Multiplex cytokine analysis quantified cytokine secretion.
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and colostrum cells from mares were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Equine colostral leukocytes were predominantly CD8(+) and CD4(+) lymphocytes, with CD8(+) cells significantly enriched compared to PBMC.
  • Colostral T-cells exhibited a higher production of IL-17 and similar IFN-γ levels, but decreased IL-4 and IL-10, upon stimulation compared to PBMC.
  • Both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells in colostrum were capable of producing IFN-γ, indicating a polarized, inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusions:

  • Mare colostrum contains a unique population of T-cells, selectively migrated and polarized towards IL-17 and IFN-γ production.
  • These colostral T-cells possess an inflammatory phenotype, suggesting specialized functions in neonatal immune development and protection.

Keywords:
ColostrumCytokineHorseImmunityPassive transferT-cell

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