Please help to solve the question.

[Geert De Jaeger]

The antibodies in breast milk are of a special type called secretory IgA
(sIgA), which contains two IgA antibodies connected to each other by a
protein called the J-chain. Besides both antibodies are protected
against proteolitic decay by a second protein called the secretory
component. Moreover antibodies can survive a pH of 2.5. It is also a
matter of dosage, part of the antibody will be digested, but enough will
reach its destiny to fulfill its task.

Kind regards,

Geert 

CC wrote:
> 
> It is said that breast-feeding provide immunity to infants because breast
> milk contains antibodies.
> However, will the antibodies be digested by the infant when passing through
> the digestive tract?
> So, how does breast-milk provide immunity to infants?
> 
> Thanks

-- 
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Geert De Jaeger 
DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS                         Fax:32 (0)9 2645349
UNIVERSITY OF GENT, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie                           VIB
mailto:gejae at gengenp.rug.ac.be    	   http://www.plantgenetics.rug.ac.be
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