Immunological Positives of Growing Up on a Farm

Studying piglets, which are often used as models for humans since they share many aspects of physiology, metabolism, genetics and immunity, Dr. Marie Lewis' research out of the University of Bristol’s school of veterinary sciences resulted in findings that showed early life in a complex farm environment increased the number of regulatory T-lymphocytes, the cells that damp down the immune system and limit immune responses.In the study, piglets were nursed by mothers on a farm while siblings spent day one and onwards under very hygienic conditions and were fed formula milk, depicting the environment in which human babies are raised.Compared to isolator piglets, the farm-reared piglets have a reduced numbers of immune cells which drive immune responses (T-lymphocytes) in intestinal tissues. Importantly, the farm-raised piglets also had significantly increased numbers of a subset of these cells, the regulatory T-lymphocytes, which reduce allergic responses and limit inflammation, reported Dr. Lewis.This shift in the ratio of stimulatory and regulatory cells appeared to have functional effects since the farm-reared piglets also exhibited decreased antibody responses to novel food proteins when they were weaned.

Regulatory T-cells have been identified in many mammalian species, including humans, and appear to be universal regulators of immune systems and a reduction in their numbers is often associated with the development of allergies as well as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases."At this point it is not clear exactly what caused the increased capacity for immune regulation in our farm-reared piglets. Our previous work suggests that intestinal bacteria play a pivotal role in the development of a competent immune system and these bacteria are obtained from the environment during early life," said Lewis.Lewis and her team suggested additional work is required to determine the extent to which other farm-associated factors, such as social and maternal interactions, aerial contaminants, antigens from bedding and early nutrition, contributed to the impact of the environment on increased local and systemic immune regulation.

Interesting findings.  What's your take? You can read more about the study here