Maternal Effects on Offspring Immunity in Song Sparrows
Author Information
Author(s): Reid Jane M, Arcese Peter, Keller Lukas F, Hasselquist Dennis
Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen
Hypothesis
Does parental immune experience influence the immune response of fully grown offspring?
Conclusion
Maternal immune experience significantly enhances the antibody response of fully grown offspring in song sparrows.
Supporting Evidence
- Offspring of vaccinated mothers had stronger antibody responses than those of unvaccinated mothers.
- Baseline antibody titres did not differ between offspring of vaccinated and unvaccinated parents.
- Maternal vaccination explained 23% of the variation in offspring tetanus response.
Takeaway
Moms can pass on their immunity to their babies, making them better at fighting off sickness later on.
Methodology
Song sparrows were vaccinated with tetanus toxoid, and their offspring's immune responses were measured a year later.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from not distinguishing between general and tetanus-specific immune responses.
Limitations
The study could not apply a sham injection control due to constraints of the wider study.
Participant Demographics
Free-living song sparrows from Mandarte Island, Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website