Maternal Regulation of Mucosal Immunity in Offspring

Several components in breast milk, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), are present exclusively or at high levels in the first days following birth. These may promote mucosal immunity in the offspring by strengthening the epithelial barrier and preventing bacterial translocation. We are investigating the components in breast milk preventing luminal translocation of antigens in neonates and the consequences of antigen translocation in neonates.

Funding source: Mucosal Immunology Studies Team (MIST) Scholars Award in Mucosal Immunity