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Published on: September 6, 2019
The immune system in human milk and the developing infant
1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0369, USA. agoldman@utmb.edu
Summary
Human milk contains an immune system that protects infants from infections and diseases. This complex system, including leukocytes, offers crucial developmental support and highlights human milk
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human Lactation
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- The concept of immune factors in human milk developed from historical observations.
- The discovery of leukocytes in human milk in 1970 solidified the understanding of its immune properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the historical development of the concept of the immune system in human milk.
- To highlight the protective roles of human milk's immune components against infant diseases.
- To emphasize the evolutionary significance of these components for infant development.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of clinical and laboratory observations.
- Analysis of the evolution of scientific understanding regarding human milk's immune properties.
Main Results:
- Human milk contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory agents.
- These components compensate for immature infant immune systems, defending against infections and diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis and Crohn's disease.
- Evidence supports the superiority of human milk for infant nutrition due to its immune functions.
Conclusions:
- The immune system in human milk is a critical evolutionary adaptation for infant health.
- Human milk provides essential protection against common infant infectious diseases and immune-mediated disorders.
- Further research is anticipated to uncover additional components and functions of the human milk immune system.
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