Brain links to embryonic immunity, guiding response of the 'troops' that battle infection

(Tufts University) Researchers have discovered that the brains of developing embryos provide signals to a nascent immune system that help it ward off infections and significantly improve the embryo's ability to survive a bacterial challenge. Frog embryos with brains removed can survive for some time, but exhibit chaotic and ineffective responses to infection. The presence of a brain enables a targeted and effective response.