Recent research has uncovered that embryos possess a defense system capable of combating bacterial infections from the very onset of development, even prior to organ formation.

This ability to eliminate bacteria is also present in human embryos, indicating a shared mechanism of early immune response across species.

The study, published in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, highlights that zebrafish embryos utilize epithelial cells to ingest and destroy bacteria through a process known as phagocytosis, akin to the actions of white blood cells.

Employing advanced microscopy techniques, scientists observed how cells capture bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by extending small membrane protrusions that involve the protein Actin.

Esteban Hoijman, the lead researcher, emphasized the necessity of understanding bacterial populations within the uterus to distinguish between harmful pathogens and beneficial resident bacteria that may influence reproductive health.

These findings suggest that understanding how embryos respond to bacterial infections could pave the way for advancements in fertility treatments, potentially preventing malformations and enhancing reproductive therapies.

Given the high incidence of infections in the uterus linked to infertility, this early immune response could be crucial for improving reproductive health outcomes.