Altered helper T cell-mediated immune responses in male mice conceived through in vitro fertilization.

A study using a mouse IVF model was conducted to examine the hypothesis that in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment may lead to immune system alteration in the offspring. Phagocytic activity and lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogen, alloantigen, and purified protein derivative (PPD) of Mycobacterium bovis were investigated in the splenocytes of BCG-treated male mice conceived by IVF or natural conception. Intracellular expression of T-bet and GATA3 in helper T-cell population were examined in both groups. Moreover, the serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 along with BCG-specific levels of IgG1 and IgG2a were assessed by ELISA. In comparison with naturally-conceived mice, PPD-specific proliferative response and T-bet/GATA3 ratio were significantly decreased in IVF-conceived mice. Moreover, IVF-conceived mice exhibited marked decreases in IFN-γ/IL-4 and IgG2a/IgG1 ratios. Results indicate that in comparison with male mice conceived by natural conception, IVF counterparts exhibit less efficient immune responses against BCG through further promotion of Th2 responses.

Transdermal delivery of bovine milk vesicles in patients with multiple sclerosis: A novel strategy to induce MOG-specific tolerance.

Recently, butyrophilin (BTN) - a protein which shares cross-reactive epitopes with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) - has been found in milk. A high amount of milk BTN has been reported in the outer membrane of vesicular structures known as exosome and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). These vesicles can act as Trojan horses, passing their BTN content through epidermis or other biologic barriers of the body. By altering the dose schedule and route of administration, the BTN-bearing vesicles (exosomes and MFGMs) may acquire enough potential to be used in MOG-specific immunotherapy program. Regarding above evidence and considering immunological characteristics of skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT), transdermal delivery of bovine milk vesicles, whether through topical administration of bovine milk or by using epicutaneous administration techniques, could be considered as an intriguing approach to induce MOG-specific tolerance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

A comprehensive review of pesticides and the immune dysregulation: mechanisms, evidence and consequences.

Nowadays, in many communities, there is a growing concern about possible adverse effects of pesticides on human health. Reports indicate that during environmental or occupational exposure, pesticides can exert some intense adverse effects on human health through transient or permanent alteration of the immune system. There is evidence on the relation between pesticide-induced immune alteration and prevalence of diseases associated with alterations of the immune response. In the present study, direct immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption and antigenicity have been introduced as the main mechanisms working with pesticides-induced immune dysregulation. Moreover, the evidence on the relationship between pesticide exposure, dysregulation of the immune system and predisposition to different types of psychiatric disorders, cancers, allergies, autoimmune and infectious diseases are criticized.