For the study, researchers exposed mice to unique microflora found in the guts of mice and humans known to produce antibodies that can help block bacterial infections. Exposure resulted in higher levels of the immunoglobulin A antibodies in the blood. Mice with these enriched levels of antibodies in their blood survived longer after being exposed to sepsis compared to mice without heightened levels of these antibodies.
The study authors said specific properties of the antibodies could aid in the development of new sepsis treatments. However, researchers urged caution in interpretation of the findings.
“The study is limited by the fact that the microbiome in every person or animal is unique to some degree, and our study is in the context of the animal facility,” said David Allman, PhD, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “While IgA protected mice in our study, it should not be assumed that IgA could replace standard treatments provided to patients in a clinical setting.”
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