Effects of breastfeeding on immune response of CD4+T lymphocytes in infants

ZHU Simin; TU Wenjuan; ZHANG Wenting; TU Ziqi; WANG Cheng'an

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2023-0633

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2024, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (1) : 103-107. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2023-0633

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Effects of breastfeeding on immune response of CD4⁺T lymphocytes in infants

ZHU Simin¹, TU Wenjuan¹, ZHANG Wenting², TU Ziqi³, WANG Cheng'an⁴

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Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of breastfeeding on the immune response of CD4⁺T lymphocytes in infants in non-inflammatory state, and to analyze the immunomodulatory significance of the whole composition of breast milk. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From January to September 2022, six-month-old infants who took physical examination in the Child Healthcare Department of Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, were selected based on inclusion criteria, and were divided into breastfeeding group (n=33) and formula feeding group (n=27) based on their feeding patterns. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of CD4⁺ T cells, including helper T cell (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T cell (Treg), and the levels of related cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17 in peripheral blood. The differences in these indicators between the two groups were compared. Results Compared with the formula feeding group, the breastfeeding group showed significantly higher percentages of Th1(t=3.038), Treg (t=2.088). The ratio of Th1 to Th2(Z=2.756), IL-10(Z=2.297) and IFN-γ (Z=2.076) in the peripheral blood of the breastfeeding group were also significantly higher. Conversely, the breastfeeding group had significantly lower percentage of Th17(Z=2.704) and IL-17A (t=2.187) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference the percentage of Th2, as well as in the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Breastfeeding has a regulatory effect on the immune response of infant CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. It promotes the development of Th1/Th2 towards Th1 and the immunomodulatory effect of Treg. Moreover, it inhibits the Th17 type immune response. These findings suggest that the complete composition of breast milk contributes to the development and maturation of infant immune system, enhancing immune defense and immune tolerance.

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breastfeeding / acquired immunity / CD4⁺T cell / helper T cell / regulatory T cell

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ZHU Simin, TU Wenjuan, ZHANG Wenting, TU Ziqi, WANG Cheng'an. Effects of breastfeeding on immune response of CD4⁺T lymphocytes in infants[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2024, 32(1): 103-107 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2023-0633

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