The transition to postpartum lactation establishes a state of maternal antiviral resilience

Campbell, A. D.; Miller-Ensminger, T.; Arreguin, M. C.; Kennedy, E. A.; Hewins, P.; Stickler, C.; Esterowitz, N.; Assaad, M. R.; Kready, K.; Silver, P. A.; Hensley, S. E.; Jurado, K.

doi:10.64898/2026.10.02.756285

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.10.02.756285

The transition to postpartum lactation establishes a state of maternal antiviral resilience

Campbell, A. D.·Miller-Ensminger, T.·Arreguin, M. C.·Kennedy, E. A.·Hewins, P.·Stickler, C.·Esterowitz, N.·Assaad, M. R.·Kready, K.·Silver, P. A.·Hensley, S. E.·Jurado, K.

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Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes severe disease during late pregnancy, yet how maternal adaptations in host defense shape susceptibility following childbirth remains unknown. Here, we show that the postpartum period represents a state of enhanced maternal antiviral immunity. Across postpartum stages, dams infected before weaning exhibited increased survival and reduced disease following lethal IAV challenge compared with nonpregnant females. Postpartum protection was associated with enhanced viral clearance and increased pulmonary antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and IL-17A-producing gamma-delta T cells. We identify the transition into lactation as a critical determinant of this protection. Protection extended to highly pathogenic avian influenza. Together, these findings reveal that maternal antiviral immunity remains actively shaped after childbirth, establishing the postpartum lactational period as a distinct state of maternal antiviral resilience.

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Campbell, A. D., Miller-Ensminger, T., Arreguin, M. C., Kennedy, E. A., Hewins, P., Stickler, C., Esterowitz, N., Assaad, M. R., Kready, K., Silver, P. A., Hensley, S. E., Jurado, K.. 2026-10-10. The transition to postpartum lactation establishes a state of maternal antiviral resilience. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.02.756285

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