Question

what characterizes the immune system of neonates?

Answer 1

The immune system of neonates is relatively under-developed and depends on maternal antibodies transmitted in utero to modify and control the severity of neonatal diseases. These antibodies are of the class IgG, which can be transported across the placentaMain features of the immune system of Neonates-

Pattern recognition- There are reduced production of key inflammatory mediators, for example, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-α (IFNα).

T cell response- neonatal antigen-presenting cells (APC) produces reduced IL-12 and IFNα promoting an allergic-type response.

B cell response- Antibody production in early life is reduced especially against the polysaccharides antigens. This is the reason why newborns are very susceptible to bacterial infections. In the neonates and newborns, there are fewer follicular dendritic cells and germinal centres and reduced signalling through the CD40 ligand family members.