Role of IgA in the early-life establishment of the gut microbiota and immunity: Implications for constructing a healthy start

Abstract

Colonization and maturation of the gut microbiota (GM) during early life is a landmark event that fundamentally influences the (early) immunity and later-life health of various mammals. This is a delicate, systematic process that is biologically actively regulated by infants and their mothers, where (secretory) IgA, an important regulator of microbes found in breast milk and generated actively by infants, may play a key role. By binding to microbes, IgA can inhibit or enhance their colonization, influence their gene expression, and regulate immune responses. IgA dysfunction during early life is associated with disrupted GM maturation and various microbe-related diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis and diarrhea, which can also have a lasting effect on GM and host health. This review discusses the process of early GM maturation and its interaction with immunity and the role of IgA (focusing on milk secretory IgA) in regulating this process. The possible application of this knowledge in promoting normal GM maturation processes and immune education has also been highlighted.