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This research aims to find out if piglets born to mothers that are immunologically sensitive to certain allergens are also sensitive to the same allergens.
<p>Newborn piglets are deprived of colostrum and given antigen, antibody or complex directly into their stomachs. Their subsequent immune response to this antigen will be assessed four weeks later.
The number of individuals suffering allergic reactions to food is on the increase, and why this is happening needs to be established. Therefore, this research investigates the critical factors involved in susceptibility and onset of allergy, and which determine the role of in-utero exposure, maternal and weaning diets.
<p>This project uses an animal model (pigs) to mimic the in-utero exposure of newborn babies to maternal factors, including dietary antigens found in maternal and weaning diets.
<p>In humans, the transfer of maternal immunoglobulin and antigen occurs in utero via the placenta so that the baby is born with antibodies from the mother.
This provides the newborn baby with passive immunity and in the short term will inhibit an active immune response. However, the role of this on long-term active immunity has not been established.
<p>In the pig, maternal transfer in utero of immunoglobulins and antigens does not occur, and so the piglet is solely reliable on colostrum from its mother in order to receive these antibodies.
This study uses pigs to determine the effect of a separated maternal antigen experience on the immunology of the offspring.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.