Abstract
An innate immune system capable of distinguishing among self, non-self, and danger is a prerequisite for health. Upon antigenic challenge, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family of proteins, enable this system to recognize and interact with a number of microbial components and endogenous host proteins. In the healthy host, such interactions culminate in tolerance to self-antigen, dietary antigen, and commensal microorganisms but in protection against pathogenic attack. This duality implies tightly regulated control mechanisms that are not expected of the inexperienced neonatal immune system. Indeed, the increased susceptibility of newborn infants to infection and to certain allergens suggests that the capacity to handle certain antigenic challenges is not inherent. The observation that breast-fed infants experience a lower incidence of infections, inflammation, and allergies than formula-fed infants suggests that exogenous factors in milk may play a regulatory role. There is increasing evidence to suggest that upon exposure to antigen, breast milk educates the neonatal immune system in the decision-making processes underlying the immune response to microbes. Breast milk contains a mult...Continue Reading
Citations
May 2, 2012·Infection and Immunity·Tian Luo, Jere W McBride
Apr 25, 2013·The Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians·Cheryl A MinerRobert D Christensen
Dec 2, 2014·Pathogens·M Pilar Francino
Mar 5, 2015·Journal of Cellular Biochemistry·Katrina M SimmonsJoEllen Welsh
Mar 19, 2009·Clinical and Experimental Immunology·S L ZuntM Srinivasan
Feb 9, 2010·Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·Rupert W L Leong
Oct 15, 2010·Clinical and Experimental Immunology·U HolmlundE Sverremark-Ekström
Aug 24, 2016·Immunology and Cell Biology·Juan M IlarreguiYvette van Kooyk
Sep 23, 2011·Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia·Stacey L AitkenLorraine M Sordillo
Aug 19, 2010·Pediatric Research·William J SpencerIllimar Altosaar
Feb 7, 2019·Frontiers in Immunology·Bassel Dawod, Jean S Marshall
Apr 7, 2010·Clinics in Perinatology·Paula P MeierNicholas E Bruns
Sep 4, 2010·Clinics in Perinatology·Michael P Sherman
Dec 30, 2008·Journal of Proteomics·Laura BianchiLuca Bini