Role of Postnatal Acquisition of the Intestinal Microbiome in the Early Development of Immune Function

Abstract

The present study shows that intestinal commensal microbiota have an influence on early postnatal immune development. Determining specific bacteria and/or bacterial ligands critical for this development could provide insight into the mechanisms by which broad-spectrum antibiotics and/or probiotic therapy influence the development of the mucosal immune system and mucosal-related diseases.