What is the specific antibody that stimulates antibody production in newborns?

The specific antibody that plays a crucial role in stimulating antibody production in newborns is IgD. Although other immunoglobulin classes like IgG, IgM, and IgE have distinct functions, IgD is primarily associated with B cell activation and signaling.

In newborns, IgD is found on the surface of B cells and serves as a receptor that, upon binding to an antigen, can trigger B cell activation. This activation is essential for initiating the adaptive immune response, enabling newborns to produce specific antibodies against pathogens they encounter. While IgG is transferred from the mother to the fetus and provides passive immunity, and IgM is often the first antibody produced in response to an infection, it is IgD that directly stimulates the naive B cells in newborns to generate their own antibody responses.

This understanding helps clarify how newborns begin to develop their immune system and the importance of IgD in this process.