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. 2024 Oct 9;32(10):1838-1852.e5.
doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.08.014. Epub 2024 Sep 17.

Networks of human milk microbiota are associated with host genomics, childhood asthma, and allergic sensitization

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Free article

Networks of human milk microbiota are associated with host genomics, childhood asthma, and allergic sensitization

Zhi Yi Fang et al. Cell Host Microbe. .
Free article

Abstract

The human milk microbiota (HMM) is thought to influence the long-term health of offspring. However, its role in asthma and atopy and the impact of host genomics on HMM composition remain unclear. Through the CHILD Cohort Study, we followed 885 pregnant mothers and their offspring from birth to 5 years and determined that HMM was associated with maternal genomics and prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic sensitization (atopy) among human milk-fed infants. Network analysis identified modules of correlated microbes in human milk that were associated with subsequent asthma and atopy in preschool-aged children. Moreover, reduced alpha-diversity and increased Lawsonella abundance in HMM were associated with increased prevalence of childhood atopy. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified maternal genetic loci (e.g., ADAMTS8, NPR1, and COTL1) associated with HMM implicated with asthma and atopy, notably Lawsonella and alpha-diversity. Thus, our study elucidates the role of host genomics on the HMM and its potential impact on childhood asthma and atopy.

Keywords: GWASs; HMM; allergic sensitization; asthma; atopy; early-life exposures; genome-wide association studies; human milk microbiota; network analysis; prospective cohort study.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests.