Immunology and Cell Biology

Pediatric and Neonatal Immunology:

Neonates have a emerging immune system, which is dissimilar from adults as a result of originally living in a semi-allogeneic sterile environment to then being exposed to a microbial-rich surrounding, rendering newborns highly susceptible to infections. The main constituent of immune protection moved from mother to child is antibody. This is moved across the placenta to the fetus using the FcRn (neonatal Fc receptor). Antibody is also transmitted to the infant via breast milk