How nutrition and the maternal microbiota shape the neonatal immune system

The maternal microbiota itself affects the development of the fetus and the neonate.Metabolic exposure of the fetus in utero depends on maternal nutrition and xenobiotic exposure, both of which are modulated by microbial metabolism.Molecules that originate from the intestinal microorganisms of a mother reach her offspring via the placenta during fetal development, and through maternal milk during the postnatal period.Maternal antibodies amplify microbial molecular transfer, both in utero and during lactation.Signalling from maternal microbial molecules shapes the development and function of the immune system in early life.