Scientists at University of Rochester Medicine mapped lung immune cells in newborn and adult mice to see how early antibiotic exposure alters immune programming. When newborn mice received antibiotics similar to those used in many NICUs, key gut bacteria were wiped out and lung immune cells showed different gene expression.
The cells shifted from an “offense” state, primed to respond strongly to pathogens, to a “defense” state that prioritised tissue repair. Signals that prepare cells to kill viruses decreased, while signals for repair increased. Mice with an undisturbed microbiome did not show these changes.
Using LungMAP, a large collection of donated lung tissue, the team confirmed similar changes in human lung cells. The researchers say these lasting shifts may help explain why some children who received antibiotics as newborns have more respiratory problems later. The work was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Difficult words
- antibiotic — Medicine that kills or stops bacteria growthantibiotics
- microbiome — Community of microbes living in one body
- immune cell — Cell that helps defend the body from infectionimmune cells
- pathogen — Microorganism that can cause disease in hostspathogens
- gene expression — Process where genes produce proteins or signals
- tissue repair — Process of fixing damaged body tissue
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might changes in early immune programming lead to more breathing problems later in children?
- Should hospitals reduce antibiotic use in newborns when possible? Why or why not?
- What steps could parents or doctors take to protect a newborn's microbiome after necessary antibiotic treatment?
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