IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Lactation-induced granulopoiesis and pulmonary epithelial remodeling enhance maternal antiviral defense

Lactation-induced granulopoiesis and pulmonary epithelial remodeling enhance maternal antiviral defense

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Video Summary

Tommy, a Princeton grad student, studied how lactation changes lung immunity in mice. He found that during lactation, the lung epithelium boosts mucus, surfactant, antimicrobial peptides, and complement, while the endothelium increases neutrophil-recruiting signals. This leads to a rise in activated lung neutrophils that peaks around day 12 of lactation and disappears after weaning. Similar myeloid changes were seen in marmosets and sugar gliders. Lactating mice were also better protected against influenza, showing lower viral loads and higher survival. The findings suggest lactation strengthens barrier defenses to protect mothers and offspring from infection.

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Date April 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Room 104 AB

Session Innate Defenses against Pathogens

Speaker Thomas Cafiero

Track Innate Immune Responses and Host Defense: Cellular Mechanisms (INC)

Year 2026

Keywords

lactation

lung immunity

neutrophils

influenza resistance

mucosal defense

April 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

104 AB

Innate Defenses against Pathogens

Thomas Cafiero

Innate Immune Responses and Host Defense: Cellular Mechanisms (INC)

2026