Immunoglobulins in mammary secretions

Abstract

Immunoglobulins secreted in colostrum and milk by the lactating mammal are major factors providing immune protection to the newborn. Immunoglobulins in mammary secretions represent the cumulative immune response of the lactating animal to exposure to antigenic stimulation that occurs through interaction with the environment. Extensive species variability exists in how and when maternal immunoglobulins are transferred to the neonate. In addition, there is a range of mechanisms by which the transferred immunoglobulins may play a protective role in the neonate. This chapter reviews the immunoglobulins found in mammary secretions in the context of their diversity of structure, origin, mechanisms of transfer, and function.