Development of the immune system and immunological protection in marsupial pouch young

J. M. Old, E. M. Deane

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    96 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    At birth the tissues of marsupial immune system are underdeveloped. The young animal is not immunocompetent. Histological and immunohistochemical studies of pouch young epithelial tissues provide a clear picture of tissue development but the timing of onset of immunocompetence awaits definition. The survival of the neonatal marsupial in a microbially rich environment is dependent on maternal strategies, including immunoglobulin transfer via milk and, in some species, prenatally via the yolk sac placenta. It is also likely that pouch secretions play a role. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the pathway of immunological development in marsupials and the protection and threats afforded by the pouch environment.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)445-454
    Number of pages10
    JournalDevelopmental and Comparative Immunology
    Volume24
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2000

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Development of the immune system and immunological protection in marsupial pouch young'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this