Phenotype of T cells, their soluble receptor levels, and cytokine profile of human breast milk

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Abstract
Human breast milk has important immunoprotective and immunosuppressive functions for an infant. The purpose of this study was to extend the phenotype of milk cells and to measure soluble T cell receptor levels and cytokines in milk, and to compare these with neonatal and adult blood. Milk T cells had a more equivalent CD4: CD8 ratio than blood; milk CD4 T cells mainly expressed the CD45RO (antigen primed/memory) phenotype; milk CD8 cells had an equivalent CD11b:CD28 suppressor; cytotoxic phenotype; and milk T cells had 2-3-fold higher percentages of activated CD4 IL-2R and CD8 HML-1 or CD8 VLA-1 cells than blood. Soluble IL-2R, CD4 and CD8 concentrations were lower in milk than adult blood, although relatively increased when compared to the lower T cell concentration in milk. Breast milk contained high levels of IFN- but low levels of other measured cytokines compared to blood. These distinct differences of T cells and their soluble products are likely to influence an infant's immune system.