A macrophage-centric holistic view of postnatal development

哺乳动物出生后的第一个阶段对生存、长期健康和生产力至关重要。这也是动物特别容易感染传染病的时候。该项目旨在研究先天免疫系统的细胞（称为巨噬细胞）如何控制出生后早期的体细胞生长和成熟器官功能的发育。该项目旨在建立在对新动物模型和新发现的投资基础上，以产生重要的新知识，挑战当前哺乳动物生长控制的概念。这些成果将提高澳大利亚在生理学、免疫学和发育生物学领域的国际声誉，并可能转化为动物和人类健康的改善。

The immediate postnatal period in mammals is crucial for survival, long term health and productivity. It is also a time when animals are especially susceptible to infectious disease. This project aims to investigate how cells of the innate immune system called macrophages control somatic growth and development of mature organ function in the early postnatal period. The project aims to build upon investment in new animal models and a novel discovery to generate significant new knowledge that challenges current concepts of mammalian growth control. The outcomes will enhance Australia's international reputation in the fields of physiology, immunology and developmental biology and may translate to improvements in health in animals and humans.