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Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

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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...
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Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

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The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
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Active versus Passive Immunity01:31

Active versus Passive Immunity

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Immunity, along with the ability to limit pathogen growth to prevent significant body tissue damage, can be gained either by (1) actively developing an immune response within the individual after exposure to a pathogen or after getting vaccinated or (2) passively transferring immune components from an immune individual to one who is nonimmune. Both these forms of immunity can be found naturally and in medical practices.
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...
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Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

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Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
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Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity01:21

Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity

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The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
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Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

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The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
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Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C

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Acute Paternal Immune Activation Shapes Embryonic Development and Protects Offspring from Viral Infection.

Taylor Miller-Ensminger, Ariana D Campbell, Elizabeth A Kennedy

    Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
    |April 10, 2026
    PubMed
    Summary

    Paternal immune activation reprograms sperm small RNAs, influencing offspring immunity. Male offspring from activated fathers show enhanced survival against viral infections, revealing a transgenerational immune defense mechanism.

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    Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
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    Related Experiment Videos

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    Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using PolyI:C to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
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    Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
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    Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

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    Area of Science:

    • Epigenetics
    • Immunology
    • Reproductive Biology

    Background:

    • Host-pathogen interactions traditionally involve multigenerational immune adaptation via DNA variation.
    • Epigenetic inheritance through paternal gametes offers a potential mechanism for rapid, single-generation immune trait emergence.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate if paternal immune activation (PIA) alters sperm epigenetics and impacts offspring immunity.
    • To identify the molecular mechanisms linking PIA to inherited pathogen protection.

    Main Methods:

    • Acute paternal immune activation (PIA) in males.
    • Analysis of sperm small RNA profiles.
    • In vitro fertilization (IVF) using sperm from PIA males.
    • Assessment of gene expression in preimplantation embryos.
    • Evaluation of offspring survival following viral challenge.

    Main Results:

    • PIA induces immune signaling and alters sperm small RNA profiles.
    • Sperm small RNAs from PIA males reprogram embryonic gene expression, showing sex-specific responses.
    • Male offspring from PIA males exhibit enhanced survival against lethal viral challenge.

    Conclusions:

    • Sperm small RNAs mediate the transfer of immunity-related epigenetic information from father to offspring.
    • Paternal immune activation can confer a transgenerational immune advantage, enhancing offspring's ability to combat pathogens.
    • This study provides a framework for understanding how PIA shapes inherited pathogen protection through epigenetic reprogramming.