Exosomes in Breast Milk: Their Impact on the Intestinal Microbiota of the Newborn and Therapeutic Perspectives for High-Risk Neonates

Abstract

Breast milk exosomes are essential for the nutrition and immune development of the newborn. These 30-150 nm extracellular vesicles contain microRNAs (miRNAs), mesessenger RNAS (mRNA)s, proteins and lipids that facilitate cellular communication and modulate the neonatal immune system. In this article, we analyse the impact of breast milk exosomes on the intestinal microbiota of the newborn, especially in high-risk neonates such as preterm infants or neonates at risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Exosomes promote the colonisation of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and strengthen the intestinal barrier. They also regulate the immune response, balancing defence against pathogens and tolerance to non-pathogenic antigens. This effect is key for high-risk infants, who benefit from their anti-inflammatory and preventive properties against complications such as NEC. Research points to their potential therapeutic uses in neonatal care, opening up new opportunities to improve the health of vulnerable newborns through the protective effects of breast milk exosomes.

Keywords: breast milk; exosomes; intestinal microbiota; necrotising enterocolitis; neonates.

Figure 1

Exosomes present in breast milk contribute to the integrity of the intestinal barrier, improving epithelial cell cohesion and modulating the inflammatory response, which is crucial for the prevention of NEC (image created by the authors).

Figure 2

Diagram of the regulation of intestinal immunity by exosomes.

Figure 3

Exosomes modulate the activity of neonatal immune cells, promoting a balance between protection against pathogens and tolerance to commensal antigens, which is essential to avoid excessive inflammation (image created by the authors).