Defective antigen-presenting cell function in human neonates
Immaturity of the immune system has been suggested as an underlying factor for the high
rate of morbidity and mortality from infections in newborns. Functional impairment of
neonatal T cells is frequently quoted as the main underlying mechanism for such immaturity.
However, recent studies suggest that neonatal antigen-presenting cells (APCs) also exhibit
functional alterations, which could lead to secondary defects of adaptive T-cell responses. In
this review, we summarize what is known on the functionality of APC at birth and during …
rate of morbidity and mortality from infections in newborns. Functional impairment of
neonatal T cells is frequently quoted as the main underlying mechanism for such immaturity.
However, recent studies suggest that neonatal antigen-presenting cells (APCs) also exhibit
functional alterations, which could lead to secondary defects of adaptive T-cell responses. In
this review, we summarize what is known on the functionality of APC at birth and during …