Exposure to dogs is associated with a decreased tumour necrosis factor‐α‐producing capacity in early life

Abstract

Having a dog in the household in infancy and already during pregnancy may be associated with reduced innate immune responses in early childhood. The observed attenuation of cytokine production may help in preventing exaggerated immune responses against harmless antigens later in life. Thus, intensive exposure to dogs in early life may be beneficial during normal immune maturation.