It’s widely known that breastfeeding impacts the health of both mother and child, but the underlying biology that leads to these effects has been understudied. In a review article publishing in the Cell Press journal Trends in Immunology on February 26, researchers highlight recent studies showing T cells-white blood cells that play a pivotal role in the immune system-shape the baby’s immune system, support healthy gut bacteria, and reduce the risk of breast cancer for the mother.
Lactation is not just a nutritional process; it is an immune-regulated state with lasting consequences for both maternal and infant health.”
Deepshika Ramanan, senior author, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
“We highlight emerging evidence that immune cells, particularly T cells, support milk…