Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:12
Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Human breast milk immunology: a review
K Paramasivam1, C Michie, E Opara
1School of Life Science, Kingston University Surrey, U.K.
International Journal of Fertility and Women'S Medicine
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Breastfeeding significantly boosts infant immune system development and protects against infections. Human milk contains vital immune components, offering newborns crucial protection during early life.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
Background:
- Breastfeeding enhances newborn immune system development.
- It offers protection against enteric and respiratory infections.
- Breastfeeding programs can save numerous lives globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immune factors present in human breast milk.
- To explain how these factors contribute to infant immunity.
- To highlight the protective role of breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles.
- Analysis of immune components in human milk.
- Synthesis of research on breastfeeding benefits.
Main Results:
- Human milk contains antibodies, growth factors, cytokines, antimicrobial compounds, and immune cells.
- These components support the immature immune system of newborns.
- Breast milk provides protection against infections during the critical postnatal period.
Conclusions:
- Human breast milk is rich in immune-boosting factors.
- These factors are essential for infant immune maturation and protection.
- Breastfeeding is a critical intervention for infant health and survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
Overview
01:12The Mammary Glands
The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
01:23Immunological Memory
Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...