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Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Promilla on 10/03/2015 16:34:42

Title: How does placental IgG transfer affect foetal immunity?
Post by: Promilla on 10/03/2015 16:34:42

Hi there.
I have recently learnt that IgG antibody can be transferred through placenta. I am wondering, is there any mechanism by which this could induce memory to a particular antigen in a foetus? Would transfer of antibodies for specific antigen allow development of memory cells? Or is the immune system not developed to the point that it would be possible? Or is it simply that one has to encounter and antigen itself to develop memory? In such case, is there any change soluble antigen-bound antibody could be transferred to placenta?
Thanks! :) 

Title: Re: IgG transfer and immunity
Post by: evan_au on 10/03/2015 17:54:19

A baby can acquire a "passive immunity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_immunity#Naturally_acquired_passive_immunity)" to biological threats in the environment by transfer of immunoglobulins across the placenta, or in breast milk.

While these immune proteins can circulate in the baby's bloodstream for some time, eventually the baby must develop its own immunity, either through immunization, or by being exposed to pathogens in the environment.

The immune system has a form of "chemical memory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibody)" which can "remember" the chemical signature of pathogens (after carefully weeding out those which react to the body itself).

[I am not sure if you are asking this, but the immune system cannot remember events or skills, so it cannot directly contribute to development of memory cells in the brain (but it can protect the brain from threats like polio or measles).]