
Open access
Date
2017Type
- Journal Article
Abstract
Mammalian body surfaces are inhabited by vast numbers of microbes, the commensal microbiota, which help the host to digest food, provide nutrients, and mature its immune system. For a long time, postnatal colonization was believed to be the main stimulus for microbial-induced immune development. Using a model of reversible colonization of germ-free mice during gestation, we recently showed that the microbial shaping of the neonatal immune system begins even before birth through molecular signals derived from the microbiota of the mother. Maternal microbiota was important to mature intestinal innate immune cells and to alter intestinal gene expression profiles in the offspring. These changes prepare the newborn for postnatal colonization. The majority of the gestational colonization-dependent effects required maternal antibodies. Here, we discuss and provide further evidence how maternal antibodies are important players in transferring a signal originating from the maternal intestinal microbiota to the offspring. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000129638Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Gut MicrobesVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Taylor & FrancisSubject
Commensal microbiota; Early life; Gestation; Host-microbial mutualism; Innate immunity; Maternal antibodies; Maternal microbiotaFunding
154414 - The Host-Microbial Superorganism (SNF)
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