Perinatal development of innate immune topology

At the transition from intrauterine to postnatal life, drastic alterations are mirrored by changes in cellular immunity. These changes are in part immune cell intrinsic, originate in the replacement of fetal cells, or result from global regulatory mechanisms and adaptation to changes in the tissue microenvironment. Overall, longer developmental trajectories are intersected by events related to mother-infant separation, birth cues, acquisition of microbiota and metabolic factors. Perinatal alterations particularly affect immune niches, where structures with discrete functions meet, the intestinal mucosa, epidermis and lung. Accordingly, the following questions will be addressed in this review: How does the preprogrammed development supported by endogenous cues, steer innate immune cell differentiation, adaptation to tissue structures, and immunity to infection? How does the transition at birth impact on tissue immune make-up including its topology? How do postnatal cues guide innate immune cell differentiation and function at immunological niches?

Automated summary

This article discusses the changes in the immune system from intrauterine to postnatal life, including intrinsic changes in immune cells, replacement of fetal cells, and global regulatory mechanisms impacting the microenvironment. Perinatal alterations particularly affect immune niches with discrete functions. The article poses three questions for further exploration in regards to immune cell differentiation and adaptation during development and the impact of birth on tissue immune composition.