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Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

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 the Oral Microbiota01:28

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,...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

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...
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis 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...
The Early Endosome: Endocytosis of Transferrin01:28

The Early Endosome: Endocytosis of Transferrin

Essential proteins such as insulin or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and micronutrients such as iron enter a eukaryotic cell through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Subsequently, the early endosomes fuse with the vesicles containing such receptor-ligand complexes and play a vital role in sorting the incoming ligands and receptors. While the ligands are either degraded inside the vesicle or released into the cytosol, their receptors are returned to the plasma membrane for further rounds of...
Antimicrobial Proteins01:23

Antimicrobial Proteins

Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
05:39

A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Published on: November 30, 2021

Lactoferrin and the newborn: current perspectives.

Krithika Lingappan1, Athis Arunachalam, Mohan Pammi

  • 1Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|July 25, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lactoferrin (Lf) may prevent neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This protein reduces inflammation and combats microbes, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for vulnerable newborns.

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

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05:39

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Published on: November 30, 2021

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08:46

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Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity.
  • Inflammation associated with these conditions exacerbates complications, particularly affecting the lungs, brain, and eyes.
  • There is a critical need for therapies that reduce inflammation and combat antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions of lactoferrin (Lf) as a multifunctional protein.
  • To examine current clinical evidence for Lf's efficacy and safety in newborns.
  • To explore Lf's potential in preventing and treating neonatal sepsis and NEC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on lactoferrin's biological activities.
  • Analysis of clinical studies evaluating lactoferrin in neonatal populations.
  • Assessment of Lf's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Main Results:

  • Lactoferrin exhibits broad antimicrobial activity and modulates inflammation, cell growth, and differentiation.
  • Preliminary studies suggest significant promise for Lf in preventing neonatal sepsis and NEC.
  • Ongoing research is evaluating the efficacy and safety of Lf prophylaxis and therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with potential therapeutic applications in neonatology.
  • Lf prophylaxis and therapy may significantly improve clinical outcomes for vulnerable preterm infants.
  • Further clinical evidence supports Lf as a promising agent against neonatal sepsis and NEC.