IMMUNOLOGY - Maternal Antibodies Flashcards
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth containing nutrients, growth factors and immunoglobulins
How do humans acquire systemic immunity compared to domestic animals?
Humans: trans-placental transfer of IgG antibodies
Domestic animals: transfer of IgG antibodies via colostrum intake
Why is there limited trans-placental transfer of IgG antibodies in epithelio-chorial and endothelio-chorial placentas?
There is limited trans-placental transfer of IgG antibodies in epithelio-chorial and endothelio-chorial placentas due to the many layers of tissue between the maternal endometrium and the foetal chorion that the immunoglobulins would have to travel through
How can passively acquired immunoglobulins impede the effects of vaccination?
The maternal antibodies provide ‘temporary’ immunity against the virus rather than allowing the neonate to develop their own antibodies against the virus
