Maternal trans-vaccenic acid shapes neonatal T cell development and early-life immune imprinting

Research published in Science journal in June 2026 examined the impact of maternal trans-vaccenic acid on neonatal T cell development. Trans-vaccenic acid is a fatty acid transferred from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The study demonstrated that this acid has a significant influence on shaping the immune system in early childhood. The findings suggest that maternal nutrition containing this fatty acid can affect the long-term immune development of the child. The research contributes to understanding how maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation shapes the immune system of future generations.