[Immune system and infections]
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to present some aspects of the immune system.METHOD: Review of the literature, covering some of the most important aspects to the pediatrician.RESULTS: We describe characteristics of the immune system when presented to different antigens, and cells and cytokines effector functions. We also discuss aspects of immaturity of the immune system observed in the pediatric group.CONCLUSION: It is very important that the pediatrician understands how the immune system works.
Costa-Carvalho
B T
BT
Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Nudelman
V
V
Carneiro-Sampaio
M M
MM