Maternal Immunoglobulins in Infants—Are They More Than Just a Form of Passive Immunity?

Abstract

In the present review, we highlight the possible "extra-immunological" effects of maternal immunoglobulins (Ig) transferred to the blood circulation of offspring, either via the placenta before birth or via the colostrum/milk across the gut after birth in different mammalian species. Using the newborn pig as a model, since they are naturally born agammaglobulinemic, intravenously (i.v.) infused purified serum Ig rapidly improved the vitality, suckling behavior, and ensured the survival of both preterm and term piglets. In further studies, we found that proper brain development requires i.v. Ig supplementation. Studies have reported on the positive effects of i.v. Ig treatment in children with epilepsy. Moreover, feeding newborn pigs an elementary diet supplemented with Ig improved the gut structure, and recently a positive impact of enteral or parenteral Ig supplementation on the absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was observed in the newborn pig. Summarized, our own results and those found in the literature, indicate the existence of important extra-immune effects of maternal Ig, in addition to the classical protective effects of transferred maternal passive immunity, including effects on the development of the brain, gut, and possibly other organ systems in the neonate. These additional properties of circulating Ig could have an impact on care guidelines for human neonates, especially those born prematurely with low plasma Ig levels.

PEDV-spike-protein-expressing mRNA vaccine protects piglets against PEDV challenge

“…It enters the neonatal bloodstream to provide systemic protection. At the same time, the IgA could be transferred across the “open” gut to the general circulation during the first few days of life and then mainly persists in the lumen of the neonatal intestine to provide local protection ( 48 , 49 ). Therefore, a vaccine that elicits systemic IgG and local IgA responses in sows should be developed.…”

Efeitos da Colostroterapia no Aumento da Imunidade em Prematuros

“…Alguns estudos estabeleceram a viabilidade para esta técnica e os resultados foram sugestivos de efeitos imunoestimuladores 2,5,6,13,18,22,24 . Uma pesquisa recente sugere benefícios adicionais, incluindo proteção contra pneumonia associada ao ventilador e sepse clínica, obtenção mais precoce de alimentação enteral plena, maturação aprimorada das habilidades de alimentação oral, crescimento aprimorado, função imunológica e amamentação aprimorada 26 . Uma obtenção anterior de alimentação enteral completa foi relatada em vários estudos e tem implicações importantes em termos de risco de sepse.…”

Fabrication of Nutraceutical Beverage from Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Extract and Studying Its Health Effects

“…The decrease in albumin is due to the breakage of the peptide bonds between protein molecules due to the effect of oxidative stress and the generation of free radicals, which leads to the decomposition of albumin and a decrease in its concentration. This, in turn, leads to a defect in liver function, leading to a decrease in the synthesis of albumin and in its concentration in the blood serum, and immunoglobulins are part of serum proteins [47]. In the groups of animals treated with SEBB before or after giving them food contaminated with CCl 4 , a significant improvement in the level of total protein, albumin, and globulin was observed compared to that in those fed with food contaminated with CCl 4 only without treatment.…”