AUTHOR=Ayechu-Muruzabal Veronica , van Stigt Arthur H. , Mank Marko , Willemsen Linette E. M. , Stahl Bernd , Garssen Johan , van't Land Belinda 

TITLE=Diversity of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Effects on Early Life Immune Development

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2018.00239

DOI=10.3389/fped.2018.00239

ISSN=2296-2360

ABSTRACT=<p>One of the well-known features of human milk, is the capacity to protect against the risk and impact of neonatal infections, as well as to influence the onset of allergic and metabolic disease manifestations. The major objective of this review is to provide a detailed overview regarding the role of human milk, more specifically the diversity in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), on early life immune development. Novel insights in immune modulatory effects of HMOS obtained by <italic>in vitro</italic> as well as <italic>in vivo</italic> studies, adds to the understanding on how early life nutrition may impact immune development. Extensive description and analysis of single HMOS contributing to the diversity within the composition provided during breastfeeding will be discussed with specific emphasis on immune development and the susceptibility to neonatal and childhood infections.</p>