Milk: an exosomal microRNA transmitter promoting thymic regulatory T cell maturation preventing the development of atopy?

J Transl Med. 2014 Feb 12:12:43. doi: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-43.

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence confirmed that raw cow's milk consumption in the first year of life protects against the development of atopic diseases and increases the number of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). However, milk's atopy-protective mode of action remains elusive.This review supported by translational research proposes that milk-derived microRNAs (miRs) may represent the missing candidates that promote long-term lineage commitment of Tregs downregulating IL-4/Th2-mediated atopic sensitization and effector immune responses. Milk transfers exosomal miRs including the ancient miR-155, which is important for the development of the immune system and controls pivotal target genes involved in the regulation of FoxP3 expression, IL-4 signaling, immunoglobulin class switching to IgE and FcϵRI expression. Boiling of milk abolishes milk's exosomal miR-mediated bioactivity. Infant formula in comparison to human breast- or cow's milk is deficient in bioactive exosomal miRs that may impair FoxP3 expression. The boost of milk-mediated miR may induce pivotal immunoregulatory and epigenetic modifications required for long-term thymic Treg lineage commitment explaining the atopy-protective effect of raw cow's milk consumption.The presented concept offers a new option for the prevention of atopic diseases by the addition of physiological amounts of miR-155-enriched exosomes to infant formula for mothers incapable of breastfeeding.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / prevention & control*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Milk / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Thymus Gland / cytology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs