Reactivity of Secretory IgA Antibodies in Breast Milk from 107 Japanese Mothers to 20 Environmental Antigens

Abstract

The secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody response to 20 environmental antigens, including microorganisms, toxins, food, and inhaled allergens, was evaluated in the breast milk from 107 Japanese mothers 1–10 days after delivery. Specific sIgA antibody responses were detected in most milk samples against almost all of the antigens tested, although there was a wide variation in the specific sIgA antibody profiles of each individual’s milk. With regard to twelve bacterial antigens, highly specific sIgA antibody responses were detected against Escherichia coli, Yersiniaenterocolitica, and Pseudomonasaeruginosa. With regard to eight nonbacterial antigens, highly specific sIgA antibody responses were detected against rotavirus, cholera, and pertussis toxins. Similar sIgA antibody profiles were obtained when the 107 milk specimens were divided into colostrum (milk 1–5 days after delivery, n = 36) and transitional milk (milk 6–10 days after delivery, n = 71). This study provides information on the possible protective role of human milk sIgA antibodies and will serve as a baseline for future studies.

Peptides from the Intestinal Tract of Breast Milk-Fed Infants Have Antimicrobial and Bifidogenic Activity

“…Secretory IgA is the principal Ig in human milk. Secretory IgA resists GI digestion and prevents enteric infection by binding to bacterial adhesion sites [ 53 ] and inhibiting bacterial translocation [ 54 ]. Lysozyme increases the abundance of bacteria associated with a healthy gut and decreases those associated with disease [ 55 ], and lactoferrin stimulates intestinal cell development, promotes bifidobacteria and lactobacilli growth, and reduces risk of infectious disease [ 56 ].…”

Risk Factors for Mammary Candidosis Among Lactating Women

“…The lower risk of oral colonization among infants whose mothers had a history of vaginal candidosis may be due to Candida antibodies in human milk. Human milk contains antibodies specific to the pathogens to which the mother has been exposed during her life (Takahashi et al, 2002). Thus, antibodies from a woman with a history of vaginal candidosis may provide some protection to the infant against oral thrush.…”

Evaluation of materno-fetal antibody transfer in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

“…[26] The secretory immunoglobulin (sIgA) is considered the most critical molecule involved in protecting newborns against pathogens or toxins and is most abundant in colostrum. [27] These antibodies' function is to act locally, promoting the inhibition of pathogen adhesion on the child's mucous surfaces. IgA has a peculiar structure, remarkably adapted to work in the conditions of mucous surfaces: it is generally polymeric (dimeric or trimeric), being associated with the J chain (synthesized by plasma cells) and the secretory component (produced by the epithelial cell), constituting a complex with high avidity for binding to antigens and more excellent resistance to the action of proteolytic enzymes, abundant in mucous secretions.…”