Polyunsaturated fatty acids and T‐cell function: Implications for the neonate

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Abstract
Infant survival depends on the ability to respond effectively and appropriately to environmental challenges. Infants are born with a degree of immunological immaturity that renders them susceptible to infection and abnormal dietary responses (allergies). T‐lymphocyte function is poorly developed at birth. The reduced ability of infants to respond to mitogens may be the result, of the low number of CD45RO+ (memory/antigen‐primed). T cells in the infant or the limited ability to produce cytokines [particularly interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, and IL‐10]. There have been many important changes in optimizing breast milk substitutes for infants; however, few have been directed at replacing factors in breast milk that convey immune benefits. Recent research has been directed at the neurological, retinal, and membrane benefits of adding 20∶4n−6 (arachidonic acid; AA) and 22∶6n−3 (docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) to infant formula. In addults and animals, feeding DHA affects T‐cell function. However, the effect of these lipids on the development and function of the infant's immune system is not known. We recently reported the effect of adding DHA+AA to a standard infant formula on several functional indices of immune development. Compared with standard formula, feeding a formula containing DHA+AA increased the proporition of antigen mature (CD45RO+) CD4+ cells, improved IL‐10 production, and reduced IL‐2 production to levels not different from those of human milk‐fed infants. This review will briefly describe T‐cell development and the potential immune effect of feeding long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to the neonate.

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