Improved outcome of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation due to breastfeeding-induced tolerance to maternal antigens

Blood. 2009 Feb 19;113(8):1829-33. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-05-155283. Epub 2009 Jan 5.

Abstract

Exposure of offspring to noninherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) during pregnancy may have an impact on transplantations performed later in life. Using a mouse model, we recently showed that bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from NIMA-exposed offspring to the mother led to a reduction of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Since offspring can also be exposed to NIMAs by breastfeeding after birth, we tested whether breast milk could mediate the tolerogenic NIMA effect. We found that oral exposure to NIMAs by breastfeeding alone was sufficient to reduce GVHD, and that in utero exposure to NIMAs is required for maximum reduction of GVHD. The tolerogenic milk effects disappeared when donor mice were injected with CD25 monoclonal antibodies during the lactation period, suggesting a CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cell-dependent mechanism. Our results suggest a previously unknown impact of breastfeeding on the outcome of transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antigens / pharmacology*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / immunology*
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / therapy*
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology*
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • Lactation*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Milk / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Il2ra protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit