Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota

Development 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...

Development of Immunocompetence

Development 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...

Anatomy of the Intestines

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...

Development of the Oral Microbiota

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...

Immunological Memory

Immunological 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...

Gut-Brain Axis

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Cytokine-induced PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression is preserved but reverse signalling is altered in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

Arthritis research & therapy·2026

Same author

Comparison of BAFF and type I IFN activity in blood and placenta in SLE and healthy pregnancies.

Lupus science & medicine·2026

Same author

Epigenome-wide DNA methylation patterns associated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Scientific reports·2026

Same author

Flare risk after oral glucocorticoid bridging with methotrexate or intra-articular bridging with triple therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Journal of internal medicine·2026

Same author

Aiolos and Eos drive distinct human TH17 functional states.

Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS·2026

Same author

Certolizumab pegol, abatacept, tocilizumab or active conventional therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis: 48-week patient-reported outcomes from the NORD-STAR trial.

The Lancet. Rheumatology·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

Published on: June 30, 2021

Infant B cell memory and gut bacterial colonization.

Anna Rudin¹, Anna-Carin Lundell

¹Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

|August 16, 2012

Summary

Early gut bacteria, including Escherichia coli and bifidobacteria, may promote immune system development. This study found a link between specific early gut microbial colonization and increased memory B cells in infants.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

Published on: August 10, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions

Published on: June 30, 2021

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

In Vivo Photolabeling of Cells in the Colon to Assess Migratory Potential of Hematopoietic Cells in Neonatal Mice

Published on: August 10, 2018

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Immunology
Gastroenterology

Background:

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, aiding nutrient processing and barrier function.
Gut bacteria are essential for immune system maturation, as shown in animal models.
Understanding the early-life gut microbiome's impact on immunity is vital for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between early-life gut microbial colonization and B cell maturation in infants.
To determine if specific bacterial species influence the development of immune cells.

Main Methods:

Analysis of infant gut microbiota composition within the first two months of life.
Quantification of different B cell populations (total B cells, CD27+ memory B cells, CD5+ CD20+ B cells) later in infancy.

Main Results:

Colonization with Escherichia coli and bifidobacteria in early infancy was associated with higher numbers of CD27-positive memory B cells.
No significant association was found between total B cells or CD5+ CD20+ B cells and the early bacterial colonization pattern.

Conclusions:

The gut microbiota may influence B cell maturation in humans.
Early colonization patterns including E. coli and bifidobacteria might promote B cell maturation during infancy.