Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Reactivation in the Mammary Gland Induces a Proinflammatory Cytokine Shift in Breast Milk.

ABSTRACT: A locally restricted human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation in the mammary gland commonly occurs in nearly every IgG-seropositive breastfeeding mother. This unique phenomenon can therefore be used to study the reactivation process in an immunocompetent healthy host. Breast milk contains a variety of immunoactive compounds, including immune cells, antibodies, growth factors, and cytokines supporting the newborn's immature immune system. To characterize the impact of HCMV reactivation on breast milk cytokines, we analyzed longitudinal breast milk samples of four IgG-seropositive and three IgG-seronegative mothers of preterm infants using Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology (Olink Proteomics, Uppsala, Sweden). Cytokine profiling revealed elevated cytokine levels in IgG-seropositive

SUBMITTER: Rabe T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7074878 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature