Chapter 45 - Distinct immunity of the newborn: clinical implications

Abstract

The development of the human immune system begins early during embryogenesis and occurs in phases that sequentially enable the establishment of self-tolerance by the adaptive immune system, protection of newborns from potential microbial threats, as well as avoidance of over-exuberant inflammation upon post-natal colonization. The immune system of newborns is thus immunologically distinct, with variable deficits compared to adults, depending on the gestational age.