Maternal farm exposure modulates neonatal immune mechanisms through regulatory T cells

Farm exposures during pregnancy increase the number and function of cord blood Treg cells associated with lower TH2 cytokine secretion and lymphocyte proliferation on innate exposure. One fascinating speculation is that maternal farm exposure might reflect a natural model of immunotherapy, potentially including a selection of innate stimuli in addition to allergen, shaping a child's immune system at an early stage.