Cytokines in milk modulate the development of immune responses in the infant [ 2000 - 2002 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Irmeli Penttila (Principal investigator)

Brief description There is substantial epidemiological evidence that formula fed infants are more susceptible than breast fed infants to auto-immune diseases later in life. However direct evidence is lacking and the mechanism is not understood. We aim to provide direct experimental evidence to test the hypothesis that maternal milk regulates infant immune responses by providing the factors that modulates antigen presentation and priming in the neonatal gut. The significance of the study lies in the absence of these regulatory factors in infant formula. The results will allow more fully informed decisions regarding breast feeding, and may lead to the development of infant formula that modulate immune responses in a manner analogous to natural maternal milk.

Funding Amount $AUD 188,912.18

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant