AAI Veterinary Immunology Committee: Neonatal Immunity: Getting it Right from the Start
Support in part provided by the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists
Chairs:
Crystal Loving, Natl. Animal Dis. Ctr., ARS, USDA; AAI Veterinary Immunology Committee Chair
Renukaradhya Gourapura, Ohio State Univ. Col. of Vet. Med.
Speakers:
- John E. Butler, Univ. of Iowa Carver Col. of Med., The critical window of neonatal immune system development: lessons from animal models
- Bettina Wagner, Cornell Univ. Col. of Vet. Med., Neonatal memory B cell activation in horses
- Tod J. Merkel, FDA, Protecting neonates from pertussis—lessons from a baboon model
- Philip Griebel,VIDO-Intervac, Univ. of Saskatchewan, Bovine mucosal immune system development: vaccines targeting the pathobiome
This symposium will emphasize factors impacting neonatal immune development and protection against disease across various animal systems. Whereas transitioning from a sterile environment to a world with a multitude of microbes makes a neonate vulnerable to infection, exposure to the microbial world is important for immune maturation, but poses a risk to neonatal health. Maternal-derived immune factors can provide protection during the vulnerable neonatal period, and various methods are being utilized to exploit maternal immunity or enhance neonatal acquired immunity. This symposium will highlight factors that can improve or impede neonatal health, identifying commonalities relevant to both human and animal health.