An inherent elevation in type 2 immunity is a feature of maternal and offspring immune systems. This has diverse implications for maternal and offspring biology including influencing success of pregnancy, offspring immune development and maternal and offspring ability to control infection and diseases such as allergies. In this review we provide a broad insight into how this immunological feature of pregnancy and early life impacts both maternal and offspring biology. We also suggest how understanding of this axis of immune influence is and may be utilised to improve maternal and offspring health.
Keywords: Allergy; Helminth; In utero; Lactation; Maternal; Microbiome; Microchimersim; Offspring; Pregnancy; Regulatory immunity; Type 2 immunity.
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