title: Physiology of the neonatal immune system.
abstract: Essential to a neonate's survival is an ability to respond effectively to hostile environmental forces. The developing neonate's immune system has functional, albeit limited, defensive, homeostatic and surveillance capabilities. The development of the cellular components of the neonatal immune system and their physiologic interrelationships and limitations are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000276:immunology*