1573-Milk Osteopontin Regulation of Neonatal Lung Immunity

Paper Talk · Sep 13, 2026 · 17m

The paper details a scientific study published in the journal Cell regarding how milk-derived osteopontin (OPN) protects infants from severe respiratory infections. The researchers discovered that OPN facilitates healthy immune system development by fostering a specific gut microbiome composition, notably increasing Lactobacillaceae and the metabolite 3-phenyllactic acid (PLA). This process triggers the recruitment of dendritic cell progenitors from the liver to the lungs, establishing a protective local immune niche. When OPN is missing, neonates suffer from impaired hematopoiesis, leaving…