Page 1490 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

marsupial placenta expresses nonclassical MHC class I antigens.
VetBooks.ir Marsupials have relatively undeveloped young that migrate

immediately to the mother's pouch where they complete the
development process. Newborn marsupials do not have a

functioning immune system but are exposed to a diverse array of
microorganisms while developing in the pouch. Protection of the
developing young comes from passive immunity through milk,
prenatal immunoglobulin transfer, the presence of antimicrobial

compounds secreted in the pouch, and repeated cleaning via
maternal licking. Young marsupials also possess a diverse array of
innate defenses, especially antimicrobial peptides.

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