Effects of undenatured whey protein supplementation on CXCL12- and CCL21-mediated B and T cell chemotaxis in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND: Long and persistent uncontrolled diabetes tends to degenerate the immune system and leads to an increased incidence of infection. Whey proteins (WPs) enhance immunity during early life and have a protective role in some immune disorders. In this study, the effects of camel WP on the chemotaxis of B and T cells to CXCL12 and CCL21 in diabetic mice were investigated. RESULTS: Flow cytometric analysis of the surface expressions of CXCR4 (CXCL12 receptor) and CCR7 (CCL21 receptor) on B and T cells revealed that the surface expressions of CXCR4 and CCR7 were not significantly altered in diabetic and WP-supplemented diabetic mice compared with control mice. Nevertheless, B and T lymphocytes from diabetic mice were found to be in a stunned state, with a marked and significant (P < 0.05) decrease in CXCL12- and CCL21-mediated actin polymerization and subsequently, a marked decrease in their chemotaxis. WP supplementation in the diabetes model was found to significantly increase CXCL12- and CCL21-mediated actin polymerization and chemotaxis in both B and T cells. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed the benefits of WP supplementation in enhancing cytoskeletal rearrangement and chemotaxis in B and T cells, and subsequently improving the immune response in diabetic mice.