Immunization of the neonate.
The generation of diversity of T and B cells begins early in gestation. Selective restrictions in expression of V genes occur in fetal life, but insufficient clonal diversity is not likely to limit newborn immune capabilities. The functional immaturity of neonatal T and B cells is beginning to be defined. Virgin T cells lack the capacity to produce diverse lymphokines, whereas neonatal B cells are less responsive to the lymphokines that promote terminal differentiation to plasma cells.
Lawton
A R
AR
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
D000367:Age Factors; D000916:Antibody Diversity / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005333:Fetus / Q000276:immunology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000276:immunology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D008222:Lymphokines