Editorial: The immunological effects of respiratory viruses during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy and the early postnatal period are marked by unique immunological adaptations that heighten susceptibility to infection, particularly from respiratory viruses. Dysregulation of maternal and fetal immunity during early gestation or soon after birth can have long-term health consequences. In summary, this research topic offers insights on how respiratory viral infections intersect between maternal and neonatal immunity, through various common themes. First, maternal-infant immunity is extremely dynamic and multifaceted, involving not just antibody transfer but also specific mediator signaling and adaptive breastmilk responses. Second, while maternal vaccination remains a critical strategy, variant-driven immune escape, that is very relevant to SARS-CoV-2, presents continued hurdles. Third, mechanistic findings at the cellular and molecular levels are consistent with population-level data on obstetric hazards, highlighting the field's translational value.Finally, the neurodevelopmental dimension emphasizes that the effects of maternal virus infection may persist well beyond the perinatal period. Other relevant research topics that might be of interest