JERUSALEM, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have discovered that mothers do more than just pass on temporary protection to their babies, but also help shape how the immune system develops for years to come, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said in a statement on Wednesday.

The study, published in Nature Communications, showed that antibodies called IgG are transferred from mother to baby before birth.

These antibodies reach the newborn's salivary glands and help guide early immune development in the mouth.

According to the researchers, these mother antibodies act like teachers for the infant's immune system, as they help it learn to tolerate harmless bacteria while staying ready to fight harmful germs.

The researchers explained that after birth, antibodies from breast milk continue this process by supporting the growth and strengthening of the protective lining inside the mouth.

The study also found that when mother antibodies are missing or disrupted, the immune system in the mouth becomes more aggressive and the protective barrier is weaker. This can increase the risk of oral diseases later in life. ■