scholarly journals Environmentally enriched housing conditions affect pig welfare, immune system and gut microbiota in early life

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caifang Wen ◽  
Ingrid van Dixhoorn ◽  
Dirkjan Schokker ◽  
Henri Woelders ◽  
Norbert Stockhofe-Zurwieden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Prophylactic Antibiotic ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Promising Alternative

Abstract Background Conventional pig housing and management conditions are associated with gastrointestinal pathophysiology and disease susceptibility in early life. Developing new strategies to reduce both therapeutic and prophylactic antibiotic use is urgent for the sustainable swine production globally. To this end, housing methodology providing effective environmental enrichment could be a promising alternative approach to reduce antibiotic usage, as it has been proven to positively influence pig welfare and immune status and reduce susceptibility to infections. It is, however, poorly understood how this enriched housing affects systemic and local pulmonary immune status and gut microbiota colonization during early life. In the present study, we compared the effects of two housing conditions, i.e., conventional housing: (CH) versus enriched housing (EH), on immune status and gut microbiota from birth until 61 days of age. Results The expected benefits of enrichment on pig welfare were confirmed as EH pigs showed more positive behaviour, less aggression behaviour during the weaning transition and better human animal relation during the post weaning phase. Regarding the pigs’ immune status, EH pigs had higher values of haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume in haematological profiles and higher percentages of T cells and cytotoxic T cells in peripheral blood. Furthermore, EH pigs showed higher ex vivo secretion of IL1ß and TNF-α after lipopolysaccharide stimulation of whole blood than CH pigs. The structure of the developing faecal microbiota of CH and EH pigs significantly differed as early as day 12 with an increase in the relative abundance of several bacterial groups known to be involved in the production of short chain fatty acids, such as Prevotella_2, Christensenellaceae_R_7_group and Ruminococcus gauvreauii group. Furthermore, the main difference between both housing conditions post weaning was that on day 61, CH pigs had significantly larger inter-individual variation of ileal and colonic microbiota than EH pigs. In addition to housing, other intrinsic factors (e.g., sex) were associated with gut microbiota development and immune competence. Conclusions In addition to the known welfare benefits for pigs, environmentally enriched housing also positively drives important aspects of the development of the immune system and the establishment of gut microbiota in early life. Consequently, EH may contribute to increasing productivity of pigs and reducing antibiotic use.

scholarly journals Probiotics and Prebiotics for the Amelioration of Type 1 Diabetes: Present and Future Perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidharth Mishra ◽  
Shaohua Wang ◽  
Ravinder Nagpal ◽  
Brandi Miller ◽  
Ria Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Adaptive Immune Response ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Environmental Interactions

Type 1-diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta (β)-cells. Genetic and environmental interactions play an important role in immune system malfunction by priming an aggressive adaptive immune response against β-cells. The microbes inhabiting the human intestine closely interact with the enteric mucosal immune system. Gut microbiota colonization and immune system maturation occur in parallel during early years of life; hence, perturbations in the gut microbiota can impair the functions of immune cells and vice-versa. Abnormal gut microbiota perturbations (dysbiosis) are often detected in T1D subjects, particularly those diagnosed as multiple-autoantibody-positive as a result of an aggressive and adverse immunoresponse. The pathogenesis of T1D involves activation of self-reactive T-cells, resulting in the destruction of β-cells by CD8+ T-lymphocytes. It is also becoming clear that gut microbes interact closely with T-cells. The amelioration of gut dysbiosis using specific probiotics and prebiotics has been found to be associated with decline in the autoimmune response (with diminished inflammation) and gut integrity (through increased expression of tight-junction proteins in the intestinal epithelium). This review discusses the potential interactions between gut microbiota and immune mechanisms that are involved in the progression of T1D and contemplates the potential effects and prospects of gut microbiota modulators, including probiotic and prebiotic interventions, in the amelioration of T1D pathology, in both human and animal models.

scholarly journals Immunomodulation by Gut Microbiota: Role of Toll-Like Receptor Expressed by T Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariagrazia Valentini ◽  
Alessia Piermattei ◽  
Gabriele Di Sante ◽  
Giuseppe Migliara ◽  
Giovanni Delogu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Mutual Regulation ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Numerous Cell ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
And Function

A close relationship exists between gut microbiota and immune responses. An imbalance of this relationship can determine local and systemic immune diseases. In fact the immune system plays an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis with the microbiota that normally resides in the gut, while, at the same time, the gut microbiota influences the immune system, modulating number and function of effector and regulatory T cells. To achieve this aim, mutual regulation between immune system and microbiota is achieved through several mechanisms, including the engagement of toll-like receptors (TLRs), pathogen-specific receptors expressed on numerous cell types. TLRs are able to recognize ligands from commensal or pathogen microbiota to maintain the tolerance or trigger the immune response. In this review, we summarize the latest evidences about the role of TLRs expressed in adaptive T cells, to understand how the immune system promotes intestinal homeostasis, fights invasion by pathogens, and is modulated by the intestinal microbiota.

scholarly journals Early-Life Intervention Using Fecal Microbiota Combined with Probiotics Promotes Gut Microbiota Maturation, Regulates Immune System Development, and Alleviates Weaning Stress in Piglets

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quanhang Xiang ◽  
Xiaoyu Wu ◽  
Ye Pan ◽  
Liu Wang ◽  
Chenbin Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Early Life ◽  
System Development ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Life Period ◽  
Weaning Stress ◽  
Immune System Development

Previous studies have suggested that immune system development and weaning stress are closely related to the maturation of gut microbiota. The early-life period is a “window of opportunity” for microbial colonization, which potentially has a critical impact on the development of the immune system. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics are often used to regulate gut microbial colonization. This study aims to test whether early intervention with FMT using fecal microbiota from gestation sows combined with Clostridium butyricum and Saccharomyces boulardii (FMT-CS) administration could promote the maturation of gut microbiota and development of immune system in piglets. Piglets were assigned to control (n = 84) and FMT-CS treatment (n = 106), which were treated with placebo and bacterial suspension during the first three days after birth, respectively. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that FMT-CS increased the α-diversity and reduced the unweighted UniFrac distances of the OTU community. Besides, FMT-CS increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, while decreasing that of opportunistic pathogens. FMT-CS also enhanced the relative abundance of genes related to cofactors and vitamin, energy, and amino acid metabolisms during the early-life period. ELISA analysis revealed that FMT-CS gave rise to the plasma concentrations of IL-23, IL-17, and IL-22, as well as the plasma levels of anti-M.hyo and anti-PCV2 antibodies. Furthermore, the FMT-CS-treated piglets showed decreases in inflammation levels and oxidative stress injury, and improvement of intestinal barrier function after weaning as well. Taken together, our results suggest that early-life intervention with FMT-CS could promote the development of innate and adaptive immune system and vaccine efficacy, and subsequently alleviate weaning stress through promoting the maturation of gut microbiota in piglets.

scholarly journals Microbiota and Hypertension: Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Immune System

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iñaki Robles-Vera ◽  
Marta Toral ◽  
Juan Duarte
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
T Helper 17 ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous

Abstract There are numerous studies indicating a direct association between hypertension and gut microbiota in both animal models and humans. In this review, we focused on the imbalance in the gut microbiota composition relative to healthy state or homeostasis, termed dysbiosis, associated with hypertension and discuss the current knowledge regarding how microbiota regulates blood pressure (BP), involving the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system. The profile of ecological parameters and bacterial genera composition of gut dysbiosis in hypertension varies according to the experimental model of hypertension. Recent evidence supports that gut microbiota can protect or promote the development of hypertension by interacting with gut secondary lymph organs and altering T helper 17/regulatory T cells polarization, with subsequent changes in T cells infiltration in vascular tissues. Here, we also describe the bidirectional communication between the microbiome and the host via the sympathetic nervous system and its role in BP regulation. Dysbiosis in hypertension is mainly associated with reduced proportions of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, mainly acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria, and an increased enrichment of the genes for lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and export, lending to moderate endotoxemia. The role of these metabolic and structural products in both immune and sympathetic system regulation and vascular inflammation was also analyzed. Overall, gut microbiota is now recognized as a well-established target to dietary interventions with prebiotics or probiotics to reduce BP.

scholarly journals Impact of Yeast-Derived β-Glucans on the Porcine Gut Microbiota and Immune System in Early Life

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1573
Author(s):  
Hugo de Vries ◽  
Mirelle Geervliet ◽  
Christine A. Jansen ◽  
Victor P. M. G. Rutten ◽  
Hubèrt van Hees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Weaning Piglets

Piglets are susceptible to infections in early life and around weaning due to rapid environmental and dietary changes. A compelling target to improve pig health in early life is diet, as it constitutes a pivotal determinant of gut microbial colonization and maturation of the host’s immune system. In the present study, we investigated how supplementation of yeast-derived β-glucans affects the gut microbiota and immune function pre- and post-weaning, and how these complex systems develop over time. From day two after birth until two weeks after weaning, piglets received yeast-derived β-glucans or a control treatment orally and were subsequently vaccinated against Salmonella Typhimurium. Faeces, digesta, blood, and tissue samples were collected to study gut microbiota composition and immune function. Overall, yeast-derived β-glucans did not affect the vaccination response, and only modest effects on faecal microbiota composition and immune parameters were observed, primarily before weaning. This study demonstrates that the pre-weaning period offers a ‘window of opportunity’ to alter the gut microbiota and immune system through diet. However, the observed changes were modest, and any long-lasting effects of yeast-derived β-glucans remain to be elucidated.

scholarly journals Environmental signals rather than layered ontogeny imprint the function of type 2 conventional dendritic cells in young and adult mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikos E. Papaioannou ◽  
Natallia Salei ◽  
Stephan Rambichler ◽  
Kaushikk Ravi ◽  
Jelena Popovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Lymphoid Cells ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
Adult Mice

AbstractConventional dendritic cells (cDC) are key activators of naive T cells, and can be targeted in adults to induce adaptive immunity, but in early life are considered under-developed or functionally immature. Here we show that, in early life, when the immune system develops, cDC2 exhibit a dual hematopoietic origin and, like other myeloid and lymphoid cells, develop in waves. Developmentally distinct cDC2 in early life, despite being distinguishable by fate mapping, are transcriptionally and functionally similar. cDC2 in early and adult life, however, are exposed to distinct cytokine environments that shape their transcriptional profile and alter their ability to sense pathogens, secrete cytokines and polarize T cells. We further show that cDC2 in early life, despite being distinct from cDC2 in adult life, are functionally competent and can induce T cell responses. Our results thus highlight the potential of harnessing cDC2 for boosting immunity in early life.

scholarly journals Managing Gut Microbiota through In Ovo Nutrition Influences Early-Life Programming in Broiler Chickens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3491
Author(s):  
Abdelrazeq M. Shehata ◽  
Vinod K. Paswan ◽  
Youssef A. Attia ◽  
Abdel-Moneim Eid Abdel-Moneim ◽  
Mohammed Sh. Abougabal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Pathogen Resistance ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
In Ovo ◽  
Host Interaction ◽  
Early Life Programming ◽  
Pathogen Colonization

The chicken gut is the habitat to trillions of microorganisms that affect physiological functions and immune status through metabolic activities and host interaction. Gut microbiota research previously focused on inflammation; however, it is now clear that these microbial communities play an essential role in maintaining normal homeostatic conditions by regulating the immune system. In addition, the microbiota helps reduce and prevent pathogen colonization of the gut via the mechanism of competitive exclusion and the synthesis of bactericidal molecules. Under commercial conditions, newly hatched chicks have access to feed after 36–72 h of hatching due to the hatch window and routine hatchery practices. This delay adversely affects the potential inoculation of the healthy microbiota and impairs the development and maturation of muscle, the immune system, and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Modulating the gut microbiota has been proposed as a potential strategy for improving host health and productivity and avoiding undesirable effects on gut health and the immune system. Using early-life programming via in ovo stimulation with probiotics and prebiotics, it may be possible to avoid selected metabolic disorders, poor immunity, and pathogen resistance, which the broiler industry now faces due to commercial hatching and selection pressures imposed by an increasingly demanding market.

scholarly journals Long-Lasting Effects of Early-Life Antibiotic Treatment and Routine Animal Handling on Gut Microbiota Composition and Immune System in Pigs

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e0116523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirkjan Schokker ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Stéphanie A. Vastenhouw ◽  
Hans G. H. J. Heilig ◽  
Hauke Smidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Animal Handling ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

scholarly journals A good start in life is important—perinatal factors dictate early microbiota development and longer term maturation

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 763-781
Author(s):  
Shaopu Wang ◽  
Muireann Egan ◽  
C Anthony Ryan ◽  
Patrick Boyaval ◽  
Eugene M Dempsey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Perinatal Factors ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Clinical Consequences

ABSTRACT Maternal health status is vital for the development of the offspring of humans, including physiological health and psychological functions. The complex and diverse microbial ecosystem residing within humans contributes critically to these intergenerational impacts. Perinatal factors, including maternal nutrition, antibiotic use and maternal stress, alter the maternal gut microbiota during pregnancy, which can be transmitted to the offspring. In addition, gestational age at birth and mode of delivery are indicated frequently to modulate the acquisition and development of gut microbiota in early life. The early-life gut microbiota engages in a range of host biological processes, particularly immunity, cognitive neurodevelopment and metabolism. The perturbed early-life gut microbiota increases the risk for disease in early and later life, highlighting the importance of understanding relationships of perinatal factors with early-life microbial composition and functions. In this review, we present an overview of the crucial perinatal factors and summarise updated knowledge of early-life microbiota, as well as how the perinatal factors shape gut microbiota in short and long terms. We further discuss the clinical consequences of perturbations of early-life gut microbiota and potential therapeutic interventions with probiotics/live biotherapeutics.

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