Neonatal development immunity

A review of the literature on chemical-induced immunosuppression in rats and mice, exposed during the pre- and/or postnatal period, was compared to exposure of adults. Five known immunosuppressants (i.e., TCDD, TBTO, DES, Pb, and diazepam) were reviewed. The data revealed that the developing immune system was more sensitive to chemical exposure than the mature immune system. Based on these evaluations, the authors concluded that it was reasonable to assume that testing only in adults would not provide a sufficient level of sensitivity to define immunotoxicity in the neonate 132. In summary, this chapter provides compelling evidence that the developing, compared to the mature, immune system is more vulnerable to perturbation. 

Gehrs, B.C., Smialowicz, RJ. Alterations in the developing immune system of the F344 rat after perinatal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. I. Effects on the fetus and the neonate, Toxicol., 122, 219, 1997... 

Two other infants with severe combined immunodeficiency who had developed BCG dissemination after neonatal BCG immunization were treated successfully by bone marrow transplantation and tuberculostatic therapy (80). 

Enterotoxigenic E. coli epitope and rotavirus epitope fused to CTB Potato tuber Mice developed detectable levels of serum and intestinal antibodies. Immunogenic in mice against ETEC, rotavirus, and V. cholerae when delivered orally. Symptoms reduced in passively immunized mouse neonates following rotavirus challenge. 63... 

Kelly, D., and Coutts, A. G. (2000). Early nutrition and the development of immune function in the neonate. Proc. Nutr. Soc. 59,177-185. 

Herpes Simplex. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that infect humans. Type I causes orofacial lesions and 30% of the U.S population suffers from recurrent episodes. Type II is responsible for genital disease and anywhere from 3 x 104 — 3 107 cases per year (including recurrent infectionsi occur. The primary source of neonatal herpes infections, which are severe and often fatal, is the mother infected with type II. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that cervical carcinoma may be associated with HSV-II infection. Vaccine development is hampered by die fact that recurrent disease is common. Thus, natural infection does not provide immunity and the best method to induce immunity artificially is not clear. A much better understanding of the pathogenesis of die virus and virus-host interactions are required for the efficient development of the vaccine. 

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