Antibodies, human milk oligosaccharides and T cells in early life immune development
The design, set up and first analysis of the PRIMA human milk cohort
Summary
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Respiratory infections like colds and pneumonia are a major health burden for young children. Breastfeeding offers protection, but the exact mechanisms of human milk remain poorly understood. This thesis lays the foundation for the PRIMA cohort, a large-scale study investigating the composition of breast milk and its impact on infant immunity.
The research focuses on multiple milk components, including unique sugars (HMOs), antibodies, and immune cells. HMOs support gut health, prevent infections, and help regulate the immune system. The study also explores whether cow milk antibodies (bIgG) can protect against RSV, a common respiratory virus.
In the PRIMA cohort, 1000 mother-infant pairs are followed. Milk samples are collected at various time points and analyzed for antibodies, T-cells, and other substances. A new test method was developed to measure nine antibody types simultaneously.
Antibodies in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood were also studied. Their distribution suggests selective transfer of immune protection from mother to child. For the first time, T-cell composition in breast milk was mapped. These cells show tissue-specific traits and may support immune development in infants.
Finally, the thesis discusses notable findings, including differences in milk composition depending on the child’s sex, raising new questions about maternal adaptation.