Abstract
It is suggested that programming of the immune system starts before birth and is shaped by environmental influences acting during critical windows of susceptibility for human development. Prenatal and perinatal exposure to physiological, biological, physical, or chemical factors can trigger permanent, irreversible changes to the developing immune system, which may be reflected in cord blood of neonates. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence on the role of the prenatal and perinatal environment, including season of birth, mode of delivery, exposure to common allergens, a farming environment, pet ownership, and exposure to tobacco smoking and pollutants, in shaping the immune cell populations and cytokines at birth in humans. We also discuss how reported disruptions in the immune system at birth might contribute to the development of asthma and related allergic manifestations later in life.
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are predominantly chronic diseases that include metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders, chronic lung disease, asthma and other allergic diseases
The enhanced vulnerability of the developing immune system for environmental insults is based on unique immune maturational events that occur during critical windows in early life, which includes the fetus and the first years of life
We summarize the current evidence on the role of the prenatal and perinatal environment in shaping the human immune system at birth, including the influences of physiological, biological, physical, and chemical factors
Summary
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are predominantly chronic diseases that include metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders, chronic lung disease, asthma and other allergic diseases These diseases share common features: early-life exposure to environmental agents, chronic low-grade inflammation, and immune disturbance during development. The enhanced vulnerability of the developing immune system for environmental insults is based on unique immune maturational events that occur during critical windows in early life, which includes the fetus and the first years of life. To this regard, the fetal immune system seems to be shaped and programmed markedly by the in utero and the perinatal environment, which can have related adverse health consequences later in life
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