Main description:

A critical review of the classic, as wells as most recent-and quite seminal-findings concerning the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of both fetal and neonatal B and T cells, the cells that mediate antibody and cellular immune responses in newborns and infants. Dr. Bona shows how the antibody response of neonates is modulated by maternal antibodies and how, in certain cases, this can cause transient or life-threatening neonatal autoimmune disease. He also describes the characteristics of neonatal tolerance induced by foreign allo- and self-antigens, which are the basis for understanding impaired infant immune response and which provide a rationale for the development of efficient neonatal vaccines. By making clear the characteristics and differences between the immune system and the immune responses of both newborns and infants, compared to those of adults, Dr. Bona offers insights and challenging hypotheses that promise to help overcome the poor responses of neonates to various antigens.

Contents:

Structure and Function of the Immune System in Vertebrates

Ontogeny and the Development of Cells Mediating Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Phenotypic Characteristics of Neonatal B Cells

Molecular Characteristics of Neonatal B-Cell Repertoire

Genetically Programmed Temporal Ordered Activation of Neonatal B-Cell Clones

Antibody Response in Fetuses and Newborns

Effect of Maternal Antibodies on Neonatal B-Cell Response

Neonatal Autoimmune Diseases Caused by Maternal Pathogenic Autoantibodies

Phenotypic Characteristics of Neonatal T Cells

Expression of MHC Molecules in Neonates. Neonatal Cytokine Network

Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Neonates. Fetal and Neonatal Tolerance

Development of Efficient Prophylactic Vaccines and Theracines for Newborns and Infants

References

Index.