Role of nutrients in the development of neonatal immune response.
Nutrients exert unique regulatory effects in the perinatal period that mold the developing immune system. The interactions of micronutrients and microbial and environmental antigens condition the post-birth maturation of the immune system, influencing reactions to allergens, fostering tolerance towards the emerging gastrointestinal flora and ingested antigens, and defining patterns of host defense against potential pathogens. The shared molecular structures that are present on microbes or certain plants, but not expressed by human cells, are recognized by neonatal innate immune receptors. Exposure to these activators in the environment through dietary intake in early life can modify the immune response to allergens and prime the adaptive immune response towards pathogens that express the corresponding molecular structures.
Cunningham-Rundles
Susanna
S
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Host Defenses Program, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA. scrundle@mail.med.cornell.edu
Lin
Hong
H
Ho-Lin
Deborah
D
Dnistrian
Ann
A
Cassileth
Barrie R
BR
Perlman
Jeffrey M
JM
D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000276:immunology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D039401:Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000276:immunology*
D018977:Micronutrients