Human breast milk and the gastrointestinal innate immune system

Brett M Jakaitis; Patricia W Denning

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2014.02.011

Human breast milk and the gastrointestinal innate immune system

Clin Perinatol. 2014 Jun;41(2):423-35. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2014.02.011.

Authors

Brett M Jakaitis¹, Patricia W Denning²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
² Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Electronic address: pllin@emory.edu.

Abstract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a large potential portal for multiple infectious agents to enter the human body. The GI system performs multiple functions as part of the neonate's innate immune system, providing critical defense during a vulnerable period. Multiple mechanisms and actions are enhanced by the presence of human breast milk. Bioactive factors found in human milk work together to create and maintain an optimal and healthy environment, allowing the intestines to deliver ideal nutrition to the host and afford protection by a variety of mechanisms.

Keywords: Antimicrobial peptides; Bioactive factors; Commensal bacteria; Human breast milk; Intestinal microbiome; Lactoferrin; Mucosal innate immune system.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Enteral Nutrition*
Gastrointestinal Tract / immunology*
Humans
Immunity, Innate*
Infant, Newborn
Milk, Human / immunology*

Grants and funding

R01 HD059122/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States