Suckling by Schistosoma mansoni-infected mothers restored IgG2a and TGF-Β production, but not IL-6 and delayed-type hypersensitivity in IL-12/IL-23-deficient mice

Abstract

Introduction: Suckling by schistosomotic mice improves anti-ovalbumin (OA) antibody production, while delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) remains unaffected. This property of milk from schistosomotic mice was investigated in IL-12/IL-23-deficient mice (IL-12p40KO). Methods: We compared anti-OA DTH, IgG2a and cytokines in wild-type and IL-12p40KO mice suckled by infected (SIM) or non-infected (CONTROL) mothers. Results: SIM mice showed similar intensity and eosinophils in the DTH, which was abolished in IL-12p40KO and IL-12p40KO-SIM mice. In IL-12p40KO-SIM, IgG2a and TGF-Β levels were higher, but IL-6 levels were lower. Conclusions: Milk from schistosomotic mothers may evoke IgG2a without eliciting DTH in IL-12/IL-23 deficiencies, by changing TGF-Β/IL-6 levels.