Jun 05, 2007 -
Source: Science News magazine - June 2007
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20070602/fob2.asp
By Nathan Seppa
A fetus can manufacture immune cells and antibodies in direct response to vaccine given to the mother during pregnancy, according to researchers studying flu shots.
Scientists had already established that a pregnant woman can pass along certain antibodies to her fetus and that those immune proteins can protect a baby for up to 6 months after birth. Other studies had found that a fetus can muster an immune response to an infection contracted by the mother.
- 1 Comment