A new article published in Frontiers in Immunology stated that the innate immune system is the oldest body defense mechanism that is conserved across organisms. It is the first and fastest protective measure against pathogens. Whereas, the development of adaptive immune system takes place after birth. Yet, some key components of the innate immune system evolve during the prenatal period of life, which helps in inhibiting pathogenic invaders immediately after birth. 

Here, the authors reported that interactions between maternal immune cells, antibodies, dietary antigens and microbial metabolites originating from the maternal microbiota play a vital role in preparing the neonate’s immunity to the outside environment. Colonization of all body surfaces – like the skin, lung and gastrointestinal tract, commences at birth. This leads to the establishment of commensal microbiota and maturation of the newborn immune system and has implications on the lifelong health of the individual. 

This article summarized that pregnancy, birth and consumption of breast milk shape the immune development, along with the maternal and newborn microbiota. Discrepancies in these interactions during each developmental stage can have long-term impacts on disease susceptibility—for instance, towards metabolic syndrome, childhood asthma or autoimmune type 1 diabetes. 

Source: Frontiers in Immunology. 2021; 12: 683022. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.683022