Probiotic Treatment Decreases the Number of CD14-Expressing Cells in Porcine Milk Which Correlates with Several Intestinal Immune Parameters in the Piglets

Abstract

Modulating the mucosal immune system of neonates by probiotic treatment of their mothers is a promising approach which can only be investigated through the use of animal models. Here, we used sows and their piglets to investigate the impact of a bacterial treatment on the sow’s milk and on the neonate piglet intestinal immune system. In previous experiments, feed supplementation of sows with the probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 during pregnancy and lactation had been shown to affect intestinal microbiota and cytokine expression of the offspring during the suckling and weaning periods. We therefore investigated the composition of the milk from treated sows in comparison to samples from a control group. In treated sows, the amount of lactose increased, and the somatic cell numbers were reduced. In all milk samples, the percentage of cells expressing membranous CD14 (mCD14) was greater than the fractions of immune cells, indicating expression of mCD14 on mammary epithelial cells. However, in the milk of E. faecium-treated sows, mCD14+ cells were reduced. Furthermore, the number of CD14+ milk cells was positively correlated with the percentages of B cells and activated T cells in the ileal MLN of the piglets. This study provides evidence for the expression of mCD14 by the porcine mammary epithelium, and suggests an immunological effect of mCD14+ milk cells on the piglets’ intestinal immune system. Our study further suggests that mCD14+ mammary epithelial cell populations can be modulated by probiotic feed supplementation of the sow.

Review: Are we using probiotics correctly in post-weaning piglets?

“…Hence, providing probiotics at this point could potentially permit the establishment of early and life-long health benefits (Kenny et al, 2011). Sows should be given more importance here, as many studies have shown how introducing probiotics in the sow diet is an effective way to modify the gut ecosystem and the health of piglets (Alexopoulos et al, 2004;Bohmer et al, 2006;Apic et al, 2014;Siepert et al, 2014;Kritas et al, 2015;Scharek-Tedin et al, 2015). Alternatively, the introduction of probiotic strategies via 'creep feed' is increasingly being studied (Alexopoulos et al, 2004;Shim et al, 2005;Giang et al, 2010).…”

Impact of early-life events on the susceptibility to Clostridium difficile colonisation and infection in the offspring of the pig

“…Few studies suggest a positive impact of sow milk on the intestinal microbiota and immune system of the piglets 39,40 and that certain probiotics given to sows may alter the microbiota composition and immune status of their offspring. 41,42 The only source of nutrients for the new-born piglet is milk, which contains numerous growth factors, microbial antigens and host antibodies e.g., directed against certain pathogens and contributing to passive immunisation in the offspring. 43,44 Interestingly, antibodies against TcdA have been identified in human blood serum 45 which may protect against CDI.…”

Immunomodulating effects of probiotics for microbiota modulation, gut health and disease resistance in pigs

“…A recent study further suggests that this early-life effect on the immune response may be promoted not only through the transfer of the probiotic itself but also through immunoactive compounds (i.e. CD14 expressing epithelial cells) from the probiotic-fed mother via the milk (Scharek-Tedin et al 2015). Table 4).…”