Skip to main content

MINI REVIEW article

Front. Pediatr., 28 January 2020
Sec. Pediatric Immunology
This article is part of the Research Topic The Immunomodulatory Properties of Vaccines in Early Life and Their Impact on Future Health: Untapped Potential and New Challenges View all 9 articles

Advantages and Limitations of the Neonatal Immune System

  • 1Cellular Immunology Lab, Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
  • 2Second Respiratory Medicine Department, ‘Attikon’ University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece

During early post-natal life, neonates must adjust to the transition from the sheltered intra-uterine environment to the microbe-laden external world, wherein they encounter a constellation of antigens and the colonization by the microbiome. At this vulnerable stage, neonatal immune responses are considered immature and present significant differences to those of adults. Pertinent to innate immunity, functional and quantitative deficiencies in antigen-presenting cells and phagocytes are often documented. Exposure to environmental antigens and microbial colonization is associated with epigenetic immune cell reprogramming and activation of effector and regulatory mechanisms that ensure age-depended immune system maturation and prevention of tissue damage. Moreover, neonatal innate immune memory has emerged as a critical mechanism providing protection against infectious agents. Still, in neonates, inexperience to antigenic exposure, along with enhancement of tissue-protective immunosuppressive mechanisms are often associated with severe immunopathological conditions, including sepsis and neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite significant advances in the field, adequate vaccination in newborns is still in its infancy due to elemental restrictions associated also with defective immune responses. In this review, we provide an overview of neonatal innate immune cells, highlighting phenotypic and functional disparities with their adult counterparts. We also discuss the effects of epigenetic modifications and microbial colonization on the regulation of neonatal immunity. A recent update on mechanisms underlying dysregulated neonatal innate immunity and linked infectious and neurodevelopmental diseases is provided. Understanding of the mechanisms that augment innate immune responsiveness in neonates may facilitate the development of improved vaccination protocols that can protect against pathogens and organ damage.

Introduction

During early life, newborns encounter a plethora of antigenic challenges derived from pathogens, commensals, and innocuous environmental antigens (1). In the face of an inexperienced adaptive immunity, innate immunity is critical for the survival of neonates. Still, deficits in innate immune cell functions, due to cell-intrinsic hyporesponsiveness concomitant with enhanced activation of immunosuppressive, tissue-protective mechanisms, render neonates vulnerable to infections, sepsis, brain damage and neurodevelopmental disorders (25). Rapidly-changing environmental and microbial exposures in the post-natal period, along with epigenetic reprogramming and innate immune memory, have also a major impact on neonatal immune responses (6). Despite significant scientific progress, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying defective neonatal innate immunity remain incompletely defined.

In this review, we present the most recent advances in the characterization of the phenotype and functions of neonatal innate immune cells, outlining the disparities with adult responses. Given that there is limited space to delve into the extensive series of animal studies, we focus on reports on human cells. In addition, we provide an overview of the effects of the microbiome, the metabolome, and epigenetics on the regulation of neonatal innate immunity. The immunological mechanisms underlying infections, brain injury, and neurodevelopmental disorders are also presented. Finally, we discuss future research directions that may boost neonatal host defense through targeting innate immune responses.

Innate Immune Responses in Neonates

Dendritic Cells

Human dendritic cells (DCs) mainly consist of two developmentally-distinct lineages; conventional (cDCs) that induce T cell activation and differentiation, and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), which produce type I interferons and mediate anti-viral responses (7). Neonatal cDCs are decreased in the peripheral blood and upon pathogen encounter [i.e., lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation], secrete low levels of IL-12, leading to impaired T helper type (Th1) cell polarization (8). Decreased IL-12 synthesis by neonatal cDCs is associated with impaired chromatin remodeling in the gene promoter (9). Notably, neonatal cDCs secrete high levels of Th2 cell-associated cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, which along with the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, retain cDCs in an immature state (10). The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and costimulatory molecules, such as CD40, CD80, and CD86, are also decreased in neonatal cDCs, reducing their antigen-presenting and T cell stimulatory functions (11). Defective production of IFN-β and IFN-inducible chemokine genes, including CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, by neonatal DCs is considered to result from decreased expression of IRF-3-dependent genes (9). Nevertheless, recent studies using cytometry by time of flight-assisted immunophenotypic analyses have shown that fetal and adult cDCs have similar expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and secrete equal amounts of GM-CSF, IL-6, CXCL8, and CCL4 following stimulation with several toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists [i.e., CL075, cytosine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (PI:C), peptidoglycan (PGN)] ex vivo (12). These findings suggest that endogenous immunosuppressive and/or other factors may restrain neonatal cDC maturation and T cell stimulatory functions in vivo. Upon stimulation with TLR7 ligands, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), or CpG, pDCs, also release decreased amounts of IFN-α, even though TLRs, HLA-DR, and costimulatory molecules are expressed at similar levels to their adult counterparts (13, 14).

Monocytes and Macrophages

Monocytes play a key role in pathogen recognition and eradication through their phagocytic, antigen-presenting and cytokine-secreting abilities. Neonatal monocytes express decreased levels of HLA-DR and CD80, leading to impaired presentation of antigens, including pathogen-derived molecules (15). They are also characterized by reduced expression of membrane attack complex-1 and L-selectin, leading to decreased adhesion and infiltration to inflamed tissues (16). Interestingly, although stimulation with LPS enhances TLR4 expression, along with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 secretion by neonatal macrophages, downstream TLR4 signaling pathways are impaired, as evidenced by reduced phosphorylation of NF-κβ-p65 and p38, and this may account for the overall decreased cytokine responses as compared to adult cells (17, 18). Neonatal monocytes also exhibit impaired activation of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In fact, following NLRP3 stimulation, low levels of caspase-1 lead to decreased pyroptosis and reduced secretion of active IL-1β (19). In contrast, neonatal monocytes express higher levels of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), that prevents physiological termination of their responses and can exacerbate inflammatory processes (20). Additional studies have shown that macrophages produce high levels of migration inhibitory factor which enhances mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and during sepsis, may lead to excessive cytokine release (14).

Compared to their adult counterparts, neonatal macrophages have increased cytoplasmic vacuolization and reduced expression of lipid residues, CD11b, CD14, and F4/80 (21). Still, upon pathogen encounter, they produce copious amounts of IL-6 and CCL2/3/4 (21). Given the inhibitory effects of IL-6 on neutrophil responses, the increased IL-6/TNF-α ratio in neonatal peripheral blood as described above, may account for the reduced neutrophilic migration to inflammatory tissue sites (22). Phagocytic responses of neonatal macrophages are similar to those of adults (23).

Overall, these studies highlight impaired antigen-presenting functions, cytokine secretion and T cell stimulatory abilities of neonatal DCs and monocytes/macrophages upon pathogen encounter, a phenomenon that renders neonates particularly vulnerable to infections (Figure 1). Still, it remains elusive whether the aforementioned defects are due to inherent immaturity of the neonatal innate immune system, the activation of endogenous immunosuppressive mechanisms or both, and future studies should further explore these clinically-relevant questions.

FIGURE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 1. Innate immune responses in neonates. The quantitative and functional characteristics of neonatal innate immune responses are depicted and compared to those of adults. These features of innate immune cells render newborns vulnerable to severe infections and organ damage.

Granulocytes

Neutrophils provide the first line of defense against pathogens through phagocytosis, release of toxic substances and generation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Neonatal neutrophils exhibit impaired rolling and adhesion capabilities, resulting from decreased expression of L-selectin, CD11b/CD18, and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (24, 25). They are also characterized by decreased calcium influx and intracellular calcium mobilization that affect actin polymerization, the microfilamentous cytoskeleton and chemotactic responses (26, 27). Moreover, decreased complement receptor 3 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate expression further reduce transendothelial migration and correlate with deficiency in opsonization and phagocytosis (25, 28, 29). NETosis is impaired compared to adult cells and lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase granule proteins and azurophilic protein are reduced in neonatal neutrophil extracts [(29); Figure 1]. Global proteomics analyses of cord and adult blood neutrophils validated the aforementioned findings showing downregulation of key proteins involved in proteasome, lysosome, and phagosome functions as well as in transendothelial migration (29). There is limited information pertinent to responses of other granulocytes. Animal studies have shown that neonatal basophils, through enhanced IL-4 production, trigger Th2-polarized responses and downregulate IL-12 release by cDCs (30).

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

NK cells protect against pathogens through cytokine release and killing of infected cells. Expression of a complex repertoire of activating (CD94/NKG2C, killer immunoglobulin-like 1 receptor) and inhibitory receptors (CD94/NKG2A) enables NKs to sense infected and/or transformed cells (31, 32). NK numbers are increased during gestation, reaching their peak at birth, after which they decline reaching adult levels (31, 32). Inhibitory receptors are increased in neonatal NKs, endowing them with a cytokine-secreting rather than a cytotoxic profile. Nevertheless, the inhibitory receptor leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor-1, is reduced in newborn NKs (32). Cord blood NKs exhibit decreased degranulation abilities, as evidenced by reduced CD107c and lower production of perforin and granzymes, which result in poor cytotoxicity upon encounter of infected cells (31). In contrast, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is not different to adults, as evidenced by equivalent Fcγ-RIII/CD16 levels [(32); Figure 1]. IFN-γ release is dampened in cord blood NKs mainly due to low IL-12 secretion by cDCs (33). NK adhesion is also impaired due to reduced CD62L/L-selectin and CD54/ICAM-1, whereas β2-integrin levels are similar to adult counterparts (34).

Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs)

Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) are characterized by the release of Th cell-associated cytokines and the absence of antigen-specific receptors. ILCs are classified into three subgroups (ILC1, ILC2, ILC3), based on their cytokine and transcription factor profile and represent essential drivers of early host responses during infection and injury (35). ILCs presence and functionality is increased during infancy, wherein ILCs contribute to lymphoid tissue formation and gut homeostasis by regulating microbiome installation and metabolic processes (36, 37). During intra-amniotic infection, ILCs migrate to the amniotic fluid and participate in tissue repair (36). Interestingly, neonatal mouse ILC3s inhibit lymphopenia-induced proliferation (LIP), a process that leads to aberrant T cell activation, tissue destruction and loss of T-cell receptor diversity (37). This creates a diverse repertoire of naive T cells that is essential for T cell homeostasis and induction of immunological tolerance (Figure 1). The human infant oral epithelium exhibits a predominance of ILC2s that produce Th2 cytokines, important for defense against extracellular bacteria and parasites (38).

Factors Influencing Neonatal Innate Immunity

Epigenetics

Epigenetic modifications, including acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation and sumoylation on histones, and/or DNA, as well as, microRNA-mediated regulation of translation have a major impact on innate immunity. Studies conducted during the post-natal period have shown a decrease of the histone mark H3K4me1 in monocytes, concomitant with a gradual increase of the H3K4me3 mark, mostly at promoter regions (39). The decreased H3K4me3 abundance early-on at pro-inflammatory genes, including CCR2, IL-1β, and TNF-α, is associated with reduced expression (39). In fact, the increased ratio H3K4me1/H3K4me3 may also underlie the impaired antigen-presenting functions of neonatal monocytes (39). Interestingly, low levels of H3K4me3 at genes encoding aerobic glycolysis pathways are also observed in neonatal monocytes (40). Considering that a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and/or lipid metabolism is pivotal for the induction of immune response genes in macrophages, these observations have important ramifications for the increased susceptibility of neonates to infections. Another study showed that monocytes derived from newborns born to obese mothers display reduced LPS responsiveness, associated with altered cytokine promoter methylation (41). In contrast, CpG methylation patterns in cord blood NKs did not differ from their adult counterparts (42). Pertinent to microRNAs, cord blood monocytes have increased miR146a that represses TLR4 signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (43).

Microbiome

The microbiome plays a catalytic role in the maturation of neonatal immune responses. In fact, only during juvenility, wherein the microbiome shifts to the adult composition, the establishment of a fully-operating immune system occurs (44). Microbial colonization was considered to occur during and following delivery (44). However, bacterial DNA was recently detected in the placental tissue and amniotic fluid, suggesting that initiation of microbiome colonization occurs prenatally (41, 45). Several prenatal and perinatal factors, including the mode of delivery, antibiotics consumption and diet, shape the microbial community, and consequently, the maturation of neonatal immunity. The neonatal microbiome exhibits lower diversity, compared to adults (44). Microbiota mainly consisting of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bifidobacterium are essential for the generation of an anaerobic environment in the neonatal intestine and compete with pathogens for nutrients, pH, adhesion sites and production of metabolites (44).

Experimental studies using germ-free mice demonstrated that the microbiome affects macrophage development and polarization, granulocyte numbers and haematopoiesis during early life (46, 47). For example, the presence of Lactobacillus in the maternal vagina correlates with IL-12 levels in neonatal cord blood, while an inverse correlation exists between Bacteroides fragilis and LPS-induced CCL4 and IL-6 production by mononuclear cells (48). Decreased presence of the Bacteroidetes phylum is also associated with lower plasma CXCL10 and CXCL11 levels in infants (48).

Collectively, the aforementioned studies suggest that epigenetic alterations and the microbiome composition greatly affect neonatal innate immune responses; however, the precise immunological and molecular mechanisms involved remained incompletely explored. Further animal studies and ex vivo analyses of human clinical samples are needed to delineate these intricate interactions and understand how they can be harnessed for the enhancement of protective immunity in neonates.

Metabolome

The past years, there is an increasing interest in the analysis of the metabolome of biological fluids, including the amniotic fluid, the cord and the peripheral blood, the saliva, and the urine in newborns (49). Neonates exhibit a constantly-changing metabolomic profile that correlates with alterations in their environment, diet and the microbiome. For example, glycine is an essential amino acid that participates in glutathione synthesis and protects against oxidative stress, promotes the formation of purines, hemes, collagen and elastin, and enhances neurotransmission (49). Glycine is increased in neonates, and especially in preterms and/or newborns with intrauterine growth restriction, compared to adults, a process possibly associated with their enhanced metabolic demands (50). Choline, a precursor of lipoproteins and phospholipids involved in neurotransmission, is increased in neonates with cerebral damage and sepsis and contributes to metabolic imbalance (5153). In contrast, reduced choline levels are detected in preterm and low birth-weight neonates and associated with decreased survival and impaired energy demands (54).

The interdependency of the microbiome, diet and the metabolome is exemplified by the colonization of the neonatal intestine early-on during development by the Bifidobacterium species that plays a key role in the generation of oligosaccharides through breastfeeding (55). Moreover, recent studies have shown that the metabolome is significantly altered in germ-free mice (56), while the administration of probiotics and prebiotics affect metabolite composition (57, 58). The levels of gluconate, a fundamental metabolite provided through glucose oxidation or products of Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, are enhanced in preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which are also characterized by an altered microbiome composition (59, 60). Considering that the metabolomics field is still in its infancy, further studies are required to delineate its precise role in orchestrating innate immune responses in neonates. Still, the generation of a metabolome “map” is expected to significantly enhance the identification of new disease biomarkers, provide crucial opportunities for early diagnosis and facilitate the understanding of unknown aspects of the neonatal physiology.

Dysregulation of Neonatal Innate Immunity

Infections

Dysregulated innate immune responses render newborns susceptible to severe infections. Neonatal sepsis occurs predominantly in response to respiratory tract infections and meningitis, and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period, especially in very low birth-weight preterm infants (61). In utero infection is a significant risk factor for the development of early onset (EOS) sepsis (61, 62). EOS and late-onset sepsis (LOS) are characterized by differences in the time of infection and the way of transmission (61, 62). Group B Streptococci and Escherichia coli are predominantly involved in EOS, while Coagulase negative Staphylococci is observed in LOS (63). Viral infections, including HSV, enteroviruses, and parechoviruses, are also implicated in EOS (61).

Accumulating evidence illuminates critical defects of neonatal innate immunity during sepsis. Septic neonates present deficiencies in the recognition of pathogen products, including LPS, and in TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12 release that stem on TLR (especially TLR4) defects and reduced intracellular signaling by myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 and MAPK p38 [(43); Figure 2 and Supplemental Table 1]. Moreover, preterms exhibit decreased LPS-induced TNF-α release, while cDCs secrete reduced amounts of IL-12, compared to non-septic preterms (5). In contrast, circulating IL-10 concentrations are elevated during EOS and LOS, enhancing an immunosuppressive milieu and limiting the ability of innate immune cells to eliminate pathogens (64). High levels of plasma adenosine trigger intracellular accumulation of immunosuppressive cAMP and further inhibit LPS-induced cytokine production (65). C9 levels are approximately 50% of their adult counterparts and linked to deficient opsonization and bacterial killing (66). Reduced levels of opsonins, mannose-binding lectin, bactericidal permeability-increasing protein and human neutrophil peptide also correlate with a high incidence of neonatal sepsis (5). Pertinent to cellular responses, macrophages produce decreased levels of reactive nitrogen intermediates (67), while monocytes express lower HLA-DR (11). Functional and quantitative deficiencies of neonatal neutrophils also increase the risk of development and dissemination of bacterial infections (65). For example, deficient NET formation and NET-mediated killing is observed during sepsis (68). Moreover, decreased circulating levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IFN-α, and IL-12 during neonatal sepsis impair NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity [(62, 69); Figure 2 and Supplemental Table 1].

FIGURE 2
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 2. Dysregulated neuro-immune communication underlies the pathology of infections and CNS disorders in neonates. Infections, such as chorioamnionitis, dermatitis, meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and respiratory infections, can lead to systemic inflammation and severe sepsis in newborns. Pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), generated during infections, are recognized via PRRs by innate immune cells and this induces cell activation and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in the periphery and the CNS. On the other hand, maternal infections during pregnancy and/or EOS, and intrapartum asphyxia can induce brain injury and HIE, respectively, and further activate innate immune responses. Dysregulated neuro-immune communications underlie the pathogenesis of systemic infections and brain damage in neonates and may lead to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Strikingly, neonates can also exhibit exaggerated innate immune responses that may lead to severe organ damage. Indeed, systemic inflammation during neonatal infections is closely linked to brain injury and neurological impairments (70, 71). The levels of IL-6 (72), CXCL8 (73), and IFN-γ (72) are elevated in the circulation of septic neonates and correlate with disease severity, whereas TNF-α and IL-1β production is more variable (74, 75). In chorioamnionitis, occurring as a result of intra-uterine infection and/or sterile inflammation, invasion of microorganisms or release of stress factors (i.e., danger signals and alarmins) in the amniotic cavity augments IL-1β, IL-6,TNF-α, CXCL8, and CXCL6 secretion and activates NLRP3 signaling (76, 77). This enhanced chemotactic gradient stimulates neutrophilic infiltration from the decidua into the chorioamniotic membranes and may lead to necrotizing chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, NEC, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and periventricular leukomalacia [(78); Figure 2 and Supplemental Table 1]. Aberrant macrophage activation is also implicated in this exaggerated response (77). In the context of preterm labor induced by chorioamnionitis, fetal inflammatory response syndrome, severe dermatitis, and pneumonitis may be developed (78). In contrast, chorioamnionitis is associated with a reduced risk of LOS, possibly due to the establishment of innate immune memory that enhances protective immunity upon subsequent pathogen exposure (78).

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Several molecules involved in innate immunity, including cytokines, the complement cascade and adhesion molecules, are expressed in the healthy brain wherein they play essential roles in neurogenesis, migration, differentiation, synapse formation, and plasticity (79, 80). Still, dysregulated expression of these factors during early life can have deleterious consequences on brain development and function.

Intrapartum asphyxia causes hypoxia-ischemia (HI) which induces long-term neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy, visual impairment, seizures, epilepsy, mental retardation, and learning disabilities (81). Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is characterized by extensive neuronal cell death (81). Danger signals derived from dead and/or apoptotic neurons, including IL-33, high-mobility group protein B1 and ATP, are recognized by microglia, astrocytes and perivascular macrophages and induce their activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide synthase, ROS and excitatory amino acids (82). Furthermore, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-12 release increase the blood-brain barrier permeability, augmenting the infiltration of DCs, and monocytes/macrophages into the brain (2). IL-6R, IL-1βR, and IL-18R activation in brain endothelial cells also increases production of TNF-α, activator protein 1 and prostaglandins (82). Altogether, these factors alter neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter function as they induce an imbalance in gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, promoting long-term defects on synapse formation and neurogenesis (73, 74, 77). Newborns with HIE have elevated expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which correlate with brain injury severity (83). CXCL8 and IL-6 are also increased in the blood and CSF during perinatal asphyxia and correlate with HIE severity and neurological outcome (8385). IL-10 is higher in the serum of asphyxiated neonates, while enhanced neutrophilic infiltration during the first 96 h is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes [(86, 87); Figure 2 and Supplemental Table 1].

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Alzheimer's disease, major depression and schizophrenia, are considered as closely linked to three interrelated mechanisms; (a) dysregulated neuro-immune communication, (b) dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, and (c) early-life infections (3, 4, 88, 89). Animal studies have demonstrated that maternal viral infections during gestation, along with aberrant activation of innate immunity, have a long-lasting impact on offspring brain development and anxiety behavior, often in a sex-dependent manner, due to the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (90). Children with ASD exhibit impaired NK cytotoxicity (91) and elevated production of TNF-α, IL-2, CXCL8, and IL-6 in the CSF (92). CCL2 and CCL5 are also increased in the brain of autistic children and associated with microglial activation and behavioral changes (92, 93). Increased IL-1β and IL-4 are associated with severe ASD (94), while IL-10 and TGF-β are decreased in the circulation (95). In contrast, neuroprotective factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Bcl-2, are decreased in ASD children [(96, 97); Figure 2 and Supplemental Table 1]. Interestingly, newborns with sepsis exhibit an increased risk of brain injury compared to those with chorioamnionitis, suggesting that similar to its protective effects on subsequent infections, chorioamnionitis preconditions the developing brain against subsequent injury induced by HI (98).

Discussion

It is becoming increasingly clear that the development of immune responses in neonates is compromised not only as a result of immaturity but also as an attempt to maintain tolerance to innocuous and commensal antigens and prevent tissue damage. Still, once neonatal immune responses are activated, their magnitude is often such that they can cause severe immune pathology and morbidity, especially during infections and HI (Figure 2 and Supplemental Table 1). Hence, the provision of broadly-active innate immune stimuli during early life may protect against the detrimental consequences of uncontrolled inflammation, concomitant with the establishment of protective immunity. Vaccine-induced immune responses in neonates are impaired in terms of quantity and quality and multiple boosters are required to promote immunological memory (99, 100). On the other hand, vaccination with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) decreases neonatal mortality caused by infections by promoting heterologous lymphocyte activation against antigenically diverse and unrelated pathogens and through enhancing innate immune memory (101). Still, apart from BCG, hepatitis B and oral poliovirus, there are no other vaccines given after birth, highlighting a critical unmet need for this vulnerable young population (99, 102). It becomes evident that future studies should focus on enhancing vaccine effectiveness through stimulation of innate immune responses, for example, via administration of synthetic TLR8 agonists, including imidazoquinolines and single-stranded RNAs (99, 100). Alternatively, targeting TLR-independent pathways and bypassing immunosuppressive networks can also boost protective immunity without compromising crucial homeostatic functions.

Intricate interactions between the microbiome and the nervous and the immune systems affect neonatal responses during infections and brain injury. As such, alterations in the microbial composition, for example through dietary supplementation, may modulate key pathways of neuroimmune communication and enhance regulatory mechanisms that prevent neuronal damage. Interventions, including corticosteroids, melatonin, erythropoietin, anti-TNF-α antibodies, and IL-1rα administration, in clinical use for other diseases, may be also utilized for the control of neurological disorders in susceptible neonates (103107). Finally, advances in systems-based approaches, including high-resolution genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic technologies are expected to provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying gut, brain and immune system interactions, and guide the development of more accurate diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions.

Author Contributions

GT and PN searched the literature and wrote the manuscript. GT designed the figures. GX contributed to critical revision of the article, suggested additional references, and wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

GX was supported by an Academia-Industry Co-Operation Program grant (09-12-1074), a Research Excellence Grant (# 5035) funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT), and by a Fondation Santé Research Grant in the Biomedical Sciences.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Supplementary Material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2020.00005/full#supplementary-material

Abbreviations

DCs, dendritic cells; cDCs, conventional dendritic cells; pDCs, plasmacytoid dendritic cells; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; Th1, T helper type 1; PRRs, pattern recognition receptors; TLR, Toll-like receptor; CpG, cytosine-phosphate-guanosine; PI:C, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid; PGN, peptidoglycan; HSV, herpes simplex virus; HLA-DR, human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype; BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma 2; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NLRP3, nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing protein 3; NETs, neutrophil extracellular traps; NK, natural killer; ILCs, Innate Lymphoid Cells; NEC, necrotizing enterocolitis; EOS, early-onset sepsis; LOS, late-onset sepsis; HI, hypoxia-ischemia; HIE, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; ASD, autism spectrum disorders.

References

1. Swanson JR, Sinkin RA. Transition from fetus to newborn. Pediatr Clin North Am. (2015) 62:329–43. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.11.002

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

2. McAdams RM, Juul SE. The role of cytokines and inflammatory cells in perinatal brain injury. Neurol Res Int. (2012) 2012:561494. doi: 10.1155/2012/561494

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

3. Milgrom J, Gemmill AW, Bilszta JL, Hayes B, Barnett B, Brooks J, et al. Antenatal risk factors for postnatal depression: a large prospective study. J Affect Disord. (2008) 108:147–57. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2007.10.014

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

4. Borenstein AR, Copenhaver CI, Mortimer JA. Early-life risk factors for Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. (2006) 20:63–72. doi: 10.1097/01.wad.0000201854.62116.d7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

5. Wynn JL, Levy O. Role of innate host defenses in susceptibility to early-onset neonatal sepsis. Clin Perinatol. (2010) 37:307–37. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2010.04.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

6. Morton SU, Brodsky D. Fetal physiology and the transition to extrauterine life. Clin Perinatol. (2016) 43:395–407. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2016.04.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

7. Wu L, Liu YJ. Development of dendritic-cell lineages. Immunity. (2007) 26:741–50. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2007.06.006

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

8. Langrish CL, Buddle JC, Thrasher AJ, Goldblatt D. Neonatal dendritic cells are intrinsically biased against Th-1 immune responses. Clin Exp Immunol. (2002) 128:118–23. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2002.01817.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

9. Willems F, Vollstedt S, Suter M. Phenotype and function of neonatal DC. Eur J Immunol. (2009) 39:26–35. doi: 10.1002/eji.200838391

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

10. Corinti S, Albanesi C, la Sala A, Pastore S, Girolomoni G. Regulatory activity of autocrine IL-10 on dendritic cell functions. J Immunol. (2001) 166:4312–8. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.7.4312

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

11. Hunt DWC, Huppertz HI, Jiang HJ, Petty RE. Studies of human cord blood dendritic cells: evidence for functional immaturity. Blood. (1994) 84:4333–43. doi: 10.1182/blood.V84.12.4333.bloodjournal84124333

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

12. Papaioannou NE, Pasztoi M, Schraml BU. Understanding the functional properties of neonatal dendritic cells : a doorway to enhance vaccine effectiveness? Front immunol. (2019) 9:3123. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03123

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

13. De Wit D, Olislagers V, Goriely S, Vermeulen F, Wagner H, Goldman M, et al. Blood plasmacytoid dendritic cell responses to CpG oligodeoxynucleotides are impaired in human newborns. Blood. (2004) 103:1030–2. doi: 10.1182/blood-2003-04-1216

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

14. Zhang X, Zhivaki D, Lo-man R. Unique aspects of the perinatal. Nat Publ Gr. (2017) 17:495–507. doi: 10.1038/nri.2017.54

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

15. Nguyen M, Leuridan E, Zhang T, De Wit D, Willems F, van Damme P, et al. Acquisition of adult-like TLR4 and TLR9 responses during the first year of life. PLoS ONE. (2010) 5:e10407. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010407

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

16. Torok C, Lundahl J, Hed J, Lagercrantz H. Diversity in regulation of adhesion molecules (Mac-1 and L-selectin) in monocytes and neutrophils from neonates and adults. Arch Dis Child. (1993) 68:561–5. doi: 10.1136/adc.68.5_Spec_No.561

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

17. Yerkovich ST, Wikström ME, Suriyaarachchi D, Prescott SL, Upham JW, Holt PG. Postnatal development of monocyte cytokine responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Pediatr Res. (2007) 62:547–52. doi: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e3181568105

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

18. Li YP, Yu SL, Huang ZJ, Huang J, Pan J, Feng X, et al. An impaired inflammatory cytokine response to gram-negative LPS in human neonates is associated with the defective TLR-mediated signaling pathway. J Clin Immunol. (2015) 35:218–26. doi: 10.1007/s10875-015-0128-6

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

19. Sharma AA, Jen R, Kan B, Sharma A, Marchant E, Tang A, et al. Impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activity during fetal development regulates IL-1β production in human monocytes. Eur J Immunol. (2015) 45:238–49. doi: 10.1002/eji.201444707

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

20. Leiber A, Graf B, Spring B, Rudner J, Köstlin N, Orlikowsky TW, et al. Neonatal monocytes express antiapoptotic pattern of Bcl-2 proteins and show diminished apoptosis upon infection with Escherichia coli. Pediatr Res. (2014) 76:142–9. doi: 10.1038/pr.2014.74

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

21. Winterberg T, Vieten G, Meier T, Yu Y, Busse M, Hennig C, et al. Distinct phenotypic features of neonatal murine macrophages. Eur J Immunol. (2015) 45:214–24. doi: 10.1002/eji.201444468

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

22. Angelone DF, Wessels MR, Coughlin M, Suter EE, Valentini P, Kalish LA, et al. Innate immunity of the human newborn is polarized toward a high ratio of IL-6/TNF-α production in vitro and in vivo. Pediatr Res. (2006) 60:205–9. doi: 10.1203/01.pdr.0000228319.10481.ea

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

23. Speer CP, Gahr M, Wieland M, Eber S. Phagocytosis-associated functions in neonatal monocyte-derived macrophages. Pediatr Res. (1988) 24:213–6. doi: 10.1203/00006450-198808000-00015

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

24. Anderson DC, Abbassi O, Kishimoto TK, Koenig JM, McIntire L V, Smith CW. Diminished lectin-, epidermal growth factor-, complement binding domain-cell adhesion molecule-1 on neonatal neutrophils underlies their impaired CD18-independent adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro. J Immunol. (1991) 146:3372–9.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

25. Nussbaum C, Gloning A, Pruenster M, Frommhold D, Bierschenk S, Genzel-Boroviczeny O, et al. Neutrophil and endothelial adhesive function during human fetal ontogeny. J Leukoc Biol. (2013) 93:175–84. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0912468

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

26. Weinberger B, Laskin DL, Mariano TM, Sunil VR, DeCoste CJ, Heck DE, et al. Mechanisms underlying reduced responsiveness of neonatal neutrophils to distinct chemoattractants. J Leukoc Biol. (2001) 70:969–76. doi: 10.1189/jlb.70.6.969

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

27. Howard TH, Meyer WH. Chemotactic peptide modulation of actin assembly and locomotion in neutrophils. J Cell Biol. (1984) 98:1265−71. doi: 10.1083/jcb.98.4.1265

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

28. Abughali N, Berger M, Tosi MF. Deficient total cell content of CR3 (CD11b) in neonatal neutrophils. Blood. (1994) 83:1086–92. doi: 10.1182/blood.V83.4.1086.1086

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

29. Zhu J, Zhang H, Guo T, Li W, Li H, Zhu Y, et al. Quantitative proteomics reveals differential biological processes in healthy neonatal cord neutrophils and adult neutrophils. Proteomics. (2014) 14:1688–97. doi: 10.1002/pmic.201400009

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

30. Dhakal M, Miller MM, Zaghouani AA, Sherman MP, Zaghouani H. Neonatal basophils stifle the function of early-life dendritic cells to curtail Th1 immunity in newborn mice. J Immunol. (2015) 195:507–18. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500027

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

31. Guilmot A, Hermann E, Braud VM, Carlier Y, Truyens C. Natural killer cell responses to infections in early life. J Innate Immun. (2011) 3:280–8. doi: 10.1159/000323934

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

32. Le Garff-Tavernier M, Béziat V, Decocq J, Siguret V, Gandjbakhch F, Pautas E, et al. Human NK cells display major phenotypic and functional changes over the life span. Aging Cell. (2010) 9:527–35. doi: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2010.00584.x

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

33. Krampera M, Tavecchia L, Benedetti F, Nadali G, Pizzolo G. Intracellular cytokine profile of cord blood T-, and NK- cells and monocytes. Haematologica. (2000) 85:675–9.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

34. Kohl S, Sigouroudinia M, Engleman EG. Adhesion defects of antibody-mediated target cell binding of neonatal natural killer cells. Pediatr Res. (1999) 46:755. doi: 10.1203/00006450-199912000-00018

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

35. Eberl G, Colonna M, Santo JP, McKenzie ANJ. Innate lymphoid cells: A new paradigm in immunology TL - 348. Innate lymphoid cells A new Paradig Immunol. (1970) 348:aaa6566.

Google Scholar

36. Yu JC, Khodadadi H, Malik A, Davidson B, Yu JC. Innate Immunity of Neonates and Infants. Front Immunol. (2018) 9:1759. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01759

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

37. Bank U, Deiser K, Finke D, Hämmerling GJ, Arnold B, Schüler T. Cutting edge: innate lymphoid cells suppress homeostatic T cell expansion in neonatal mice. J Immunol. (2016) 196:3532–6. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501643

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

38. Baban B, Malik A, Bhatia J, Yu JC. Presence and profile of innate lymphoid cells in human breast milk. JAMA Pediatr. (2018) 172:594–6. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.0148

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

39. Bermick JR, Lambrecht NJ, denDekker AD, Kunkel SL, Lukacs NW, Hogaboam CM, et al. Neonatal monocytes exhibit a unique histone modification landscape. Clin Epigenetics. (2016) 8:1–15. doi: 10.1186/s13148-016-0265-7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

40. de Jong E, Strunk T, Burgner D, Lavoie PM, Currie A. The phenotype and function of preterm infant monocytes: implications for susceptibility to infection. J Leukoc Biol. (2017) 102:645–56. doi: 10.1189/jlb.4RU0317-111R

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

41. Nash MJ, Frank DN, Friedman JE. Early microbes modify immune system development and metabolic homeostasis-the “Restaurant” hypothesis revisited. Front Endocrinol. (2017) 8:349. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00349

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

42. White GP, Watt PM, Holt BJ, Holt PG. Differential patterns of methylation of the IFN-gamma promoter at CpG and Non-CpG Sites underlie differences in IFN-gamma Gene expression between human neonatal and adult CD45RO- T Cells. J Immunol. (2002) 168:2820–7. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.168.6.2820

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

43. Cuenca AG, Wynn JL, Moldawer LL, Levy O. Role of innate immunity in neonatal infection. Am J Perinatol. (2013) 30:105–12. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1333412

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

44. Dzidic M, Boix-Amorós A, Selma-Royo M, Mira A, Collado M. Gut microbiota and mucosal immunity in the neonate. Med Sci. (2018) 6:56. doi: 10.3390/medsci6030056

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

45. Gensollen T, Blumberg RS. Correlation between early-life regulation of the immune system by microbiota and allergy development. J Allergy Clin Immunol. (2017) 139:1084–91. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.02.011

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

46. Gensollen T, Iyer SS, Kasper DL, Blumberg RS, Medical H. How colonization by microbiota in early life shapes the immune system. Science. (2016) 352:539–44. doi: 10.1126/science.aad9378

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

47. Thaiss CA, Zmora N, Levy M, Elinav E. The microbiome and innate immunity. Nature. (2016) 535:65–74. doi: 10.1038/nature18847

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

48. Kollmann TR, Kampmann B, Mazmanian SK, Marchant A, Levy O. Protecting the newborn and young infant from infectious diseases: lessons from immune ontogeny. Immunity. (2017) 46:350–63. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.03.009

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

49. Noto A, Fanos V, Dessì A. Metabolomics in newborns. Adv Clin Chem. (2016) 74:35–61. doi: 10.1016/bs.acc.2015.12.006

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

50. Dessi A, Murgia A, Agostino R, Pattumelli MG, Schirru A, Scano P, et al. Exploring the role of different neonatal nutrition regimens during the first week of life by urinary GC-MS metabolomics. Int J Mol Sci. (2016) 17:265. doi: 10.3390/ijms17020265

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

51. Reinke SN, Walsh BH, Boylan GB, Sykes BD, Kenny LC, Murray DM, et al. 1H NMR derived metabolomic profile of neonatal asphyxia in umbilical cord serum: implications for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. J Proteome Res. (2013) 12:4230–9. doi: 10.1021/pr400617m

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

52. Deminice R, da Silva RP, Lamarre SG, Kelly KB, Jacobs RL, Brosnan ME, et al. Betaine supplementation prevents fatty liver induced by a high-fat diet: effects on one-carbon metabolism. Amino Acids. (2015) 47:839–46. doi: 10.1007/s00726-014-1913-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

53. Fanos V, Caboni P, Corsello G, Stronati M, Gazzolo D, Noto A, et al. Urinary (1)H-NMR and GC-MS metabolomics predicts early and late onset neonatal sepsis. Early Hum Dev. (2014) 90(Suppl. 1):S78–83. doi: 10.1016/S0378-3782(14)70024-6

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

54. Andreas NJ, Hyde MJ, Gomez-Romero M, Lopez-Gonzalvez MA, Villasenor A, Wijeyesekera A, et al. Multiplatform characterization of dynamic changes in breast milk during lactation. Electrophoresis. (2015) 36:2269–85. doi: 10.1002/elps.201500011

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

55. Kraus WE, Muoio DM, Stevens R, Craig D, Bain JR, Grass E, et al. Metabolomic Quantitative Trait Loci (mQTL) mapping implicates the ubiquitin proteasome system in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. PLoS Genet. (2015) 11:e1005553. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005553

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

56. Smith PM, Howitt MR, Panikov N, Michaud M, Gallini CA, Bohlooly YM, et al. The microbial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, regulate colonic treg cell homeostasis. Science. (2013) 341:569–73. doi: 10.1126/science.1241165

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

57. Blanton LV, Charbonneau MR, Salih T, Barratt MJ, Venkatesh S, Ilkaveya O, et al. Gut bacteria that prevent growth impairments transmitted by microbiota from malnourished children. Science. (2016) 351:aad3311. doi: 10.1126/science.aad3311

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

58. Kimura I, Ozawa K, Inoue D, Imamura T, Kimura K, Maeda T, et al. The gut microbiota suppresses insulin-mediated fat accumulation via the short-chain fatty acid receptor GPR43. Nat Commun. (2013) 4:1829. doi: 10.1038/ncomms2852

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

59. Stewart CJ, Embleton ND, Marrs ECL, Smith DP, Nelson A, Abdulkadir B, et al. Temporal bacterial and metabolic development of the preterm gut reveals specific signatures in health and disease. Microbiome. (2016) 4:67. doi: 10.1186/s40168-016-0216-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

60. Entner N, Doudoroff M. Glucose and gluconic acid oxidation of Pseudomonas saccharophila. J Biol Chem. (1952) 196:853–62.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

61. Simonsen KA, Anderson-Berry AL, Delair SF, Dele Davies H. Early-onset neonatal sepsis. Clin Microbiol Rev. (2014) 27:21–47. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00031-13

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

62. Camacho-gonzalez A, Spearman PW, Diseases PI, Stoll BJ, Brumley GW, Drive U. Neonatal infections disease: evuluation of neonatal sepsis. Pediatr Clin North Am North Am. (2013) 60:367–89. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.12.003

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

63. Bizzarro MJ, Raskind C, Baltimore RS, Gallagher PG. Seventy-five years of neonatal sepsis at Yale: 1928-2003. Pediatrics. (2005) 116:595–602. doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-0552

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

64. Cancelier AC, Petronilho F, Reinke A, Constantino L, Machado R, Ritter C, et al. Inflammatory and oxidative parameters in cord blood as diagnostic of early-onset neonatal sepsis: a case-control study. Pediatr Crit Care Med. (2009) 10:467–71. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0b013e318198b0e3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

65. Melvan JN, Bagby GJ, Welsh DA, Nelson S, Zhang P. Neonatal sepsis and neutrophil insufficiencies. Int Rev Immunol. (2010) 29:315–48. doi: 10.3109/08830181003792803

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

66. Hogasen AK, Overlie I, Hansen TW, Abrahamsen TG, Finne PH, Hogasen K. The analysis of the complement activation product SC5 b-9 is applicable in neonates in spite of their profound C9 deficiency. J Perinat Med. (2000) 28:39–48. doi: 10.1515/JPM.2000.006

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

67. Aikio O, Vuopala K, Pokela ML, Hallman M. Diminished inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in fulminant early-onset neonatal pneumonia. Pediatrics. (2000) 105:1013–9. doi: 10.1542/peds.105.5.1013

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

68. Yost CC, Cody MJ, Harris ES, Thornton NL, McInturff AM, Martinez ML, et al. Impaired neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation: a novel innate immune deficiency of human neonates. Blood. (2009) 113:6419–27. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-07-171629

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

69. Georgeson GD, Szony BJ, Streitman K, Kovács A, Kovács L, László A. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity is deficient in newborns with sepsis and recurrent infections. Eur J Pediatr. (2001) 160:478–82. doi: 10.1007/s004310100773

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

70. Robaina Castellanos GR, Riesgo Rodriguez S, de la C. Neonatal sepsis and neurodevelopment in very low birth weight infants in Matanzas, Cuba 2006-2010: a prospective cohort study. Medwave. (2016) 16:e6422. doi: 10.5867/medwave.2016.02.6422

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

71. Fleischmann-Struzek C, Goldfarb DM, Schlattmann P, Schlapbach LJ, Reinhart K, Kissoon N. The global burden of paediatric and neonatal sepsis: a systematic review. Lancet Respir Med. (2018) 6:223–30. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(18)30063-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

72. Ng PC. Diagnostic markers of infection in neonates. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. (2004) 89:F229-35. doi: 10.1136/adc.2002.023838

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

73. Wu YQ, Shen J, Zhou QL, Zhao HW, Liu LR, Liu X. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in diagnosing neonatal septicemia. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. (2016) 30:1107–13.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

74. Ng PC, Lam HS. Biomarkers for late-onset neonatal sepsis: cytokines and beyond. Clin Perinatol. (2010) 37:599–610. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2010.05.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

75. Meadow W, Rudinsky B. Inflammatory mediators and neonatal sepsis. rarely has so little been known by so many about so much. Clin Perinatol. (1995) 22:519–36. doi: 10.1016/S0095-5108(18)30295-1

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

76. Gomez-Lopez N, Romero R, Maymon E, Kusanovic JP, Panaitescu B, Miller D, et al. Clinical chorioamnionitis at term IX: in vivo evidence of intra-amniotic inflammasome activation. J Perinat Med. (2019) 47:276–87. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2018-0271

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

77. Kim CJ, Romero R, Chaemsaithong P, Chaiyasit N, Yoon BH, Kim YM. Acute chorioamnionitis and funisitis: definition, pathologic features, and clinical significance. Am J Obstet Gynecol. (2015) 213:S29–52. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.08.040

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

78. Gomez R, Romero R, Ghezzi F, Yoon BH, Mazor M, Berry SM. The fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol. (1998) 179:194–202. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9378(98)70272-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

79. Boulanger LM. Immune proteins in brain development and synaptic plasticity. Neuron. (2009) 64:93–109. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.09.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

80. Carpentier PA, Palmer TD. Immune influence on adult neural stem cell regulation and function. Neuron. (2009) 64:79–92. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.08.038

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

81. Rainaldi MA, Perlman JM. Pathophysiology of Birth Asphyxia. Clin Perinatol. (2016) 43:409–22. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2016.04.002

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

82. Hagberg H, Mallard C, Ferriero DM, Vannucci SJ, Levison SW, Vexler ZS, et al. The role of inflammation in perinatal brain injury. Nat Rev Neurol. (2015) 11:192–208. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2015.13

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

83. Aly H, Khashaba MT, El-Ayouty M, El-Sayed O, Hasanein BM. IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha and outcomes of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Brain Dev. (2006) 28:178–82. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2005.06.006

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

84. Chiesa C, Pellegrini G, Panero A, De Luca T, Assumma M, Signore F, et al. Umbilical cord interleukin-6 levels are elevated in term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. Eur J Clin Invest. (2003) 33:352–8. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2003.01136.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

85. Savman K, Blennow M, Gustafson K, Tarkowski E, Hagberg H. Cytokine response in cerebrospinal fluid after birth asphyxia. Pediatr Res. (1998) 43:746–51. doi: 10.1203/00006450-199806000-00006

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

86. Okazaki K, Nishida A, Kato M, Kozawa K, Uga N, Kimura H. Elevation of cytokine concentrations in asphyxiated neonates. Biol Neonate. (2006) 89:183–9. doi: 10.1159/000089180

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

87. Morkos AA, Hopper AO, Deming DD, Yellon SM, Wycliffe N, Ashwal S, et al. Elevated total peripheral leukocyte count may identify risk for neurological disability in asphyxiated term neonates. J Perinatol. (2007) 27:365–70. doi: 10.1038/sj.jp.7211750

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

88. Modgil S, Lahiri DK, Sharma VL, Anand A. Role of early life exposure and environment on neurodegeneration: implications on brain disorders. Transl Neurodegener. (2014) 3:9. doi: 10.1186/2047-9158-3-9

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

89. Tremlett H, Bauer KC, Appel-Cresswell S, Finlay BB, Waubant E. The gut microbiome in human neurological disease: a review. Ann Neurol. (2017) 81:369–82. doi: 10.1002/ana.24901

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

90. Gilman SE, Cherkerzian S, Buka SL, Hahn J, Hornig M, Goldstein JM. Prenatal immune programming of the sex-dependent risk for major depression. Transl Psychiatry. (2016) 6:e822. doi: 10.1038/tp.2016.91

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

91. Vojdani A, Mumper E, Granpeesheh D, Mielke L, Traver D, Bock K, et al. Low natural killer cell cytotoxic activity in autism: the role of glutathione, IL-2 and IL-15. J Neuroimmunol. (2008) 205:148–54. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.09.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

92. Ricci S, Businaro R, Ippoliti F, Lo Vasco VR, Massoni F, Onofri E, et al. Altered cytokine and BDNF levels in autism spectrum disorder. Neurotox Res. (2013) 24:491–501. doi: 10.1007/s12640-013-9393-4

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

93. Ashwood P, Krakowiak P, Hertz-Picciotto I, Hansen R, Pessah IN, Van de Water J. Associations of impaired behaviors with elevated plasma chemokines in autism spectrum disorders. J Neuroimmunol. (2011) 232:196–9. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.10.025

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

94. Krakowiak P, Goines PE, Tancredi DJ, Ashwood P, Hansen RL, Hertz-Picciotto I, et al. Neonatal cytokine profiles associated with autism spectrum disorder. Biol Psychiatry. (2017) 81:442–51. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.08.007

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

95. Saghazadeh A, Ataeinia B, Keynejad K, Abdolalizadeh A, Hirbod-Mobarakeh A, Rezaei N. Anti-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cytokine. (2019) 123:154740. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154740

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

96. Ohja K, Gozal E, Fahnestock M, Cai L, Cai J, Freedman JH, et al. Neuroimmunologic and neurotrophic interactions in autism spectrum disorders: relationship to neuroinflammation. Neuromolecular Med. (2018) 20:161–73. doi: 10.1007/s12017-018-8488-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

97. Malik M, Sheikh AM, Wen G, Spivack W, Brown WT, Li X. Expression of inflammatory cytokines, Bcl2 and cathepsin D are altered in lymphoblasts of autistic subjects. Immunobiology. (2011) 216:80–5. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2010.03.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

98. Jenster M, Bonifacio SL, Ruel T, Rogers EE, Tam EW, Partridge JC, et al. Maternal or neonatal infection: association with neonatal encephalopathy outcomes. Pediatr Res. (2018) 83:747. doi: 10.1038/pr.2017.246

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

99. Raymond SL, Stortz JA, Mira JC, Larson SD, Wynn JL, Moldawer LL. Immunological defects in neonatal sepsis and potential therapeutic approaches. Front Pediatr. (2017) 5:14. doi: 10.3389/fped.2017.00014

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

100. Harbeson D, Ben-Othman R, Amenyogbe N, Kollmann TR. Outgrowing the immaturity myth: the cost of defending from neonatal infectious disease. Front Immunol. (2018) 9:1077. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01077

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

101. Goodridge HS, Ahmed SS, Curtis N, Kollmann TR, Levy O, Netea MG, et al. Harnessing the beneficial heterologous effects of vaccination. Nat Rev Immunol. (2016) 16:392–400. doi: 10.1038/nri.2016.43

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

102. Mateen FJ, Shinohara RT, Sutter RW. Oral and inactivated poliovirus vaccines in the newborn: a review. Vaccine. (2013) 31:2517–24. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.06.020

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

103. Traudt CM, McPherson RJ, Bauer LA, Richards TL, Burbacher TM, McAdams RM, et al. Concurrent erythropoietin and hypothermia treatment improve outcomes in a term nonhuman primate model of perinatal asphyxia. Dev Neurosci. (2013) 35:491–503. doi: 10.1159/000355460

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

104. Robertson NJ, Faulkner S, Fleiss B, Bainbridge A, Andorka C, Price D, et al. Melatonin augments hypothermic neuroprotection in a perinatal asphyxia model. Brain. (2013) 136:90–105. doi: 10.1093/brain/aws285

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

105. Aden U, Favrais G, Plaisant F, Winerdal M, Felderhoff-Mueser U, Lampa J, et al. Systemic inflammation sensitizes the neonatal brain to excitotoxicity through a pro-/anti-inflammatory imbalance: key role of TNFalpha pathway and protection by etanercept. Brain Behav Immun. (2010) 24:747–58. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2009.10.010

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

106. Girard S, Sebire H, Brochu ME, Briota S, Sarret P, Sebire G. Postnatal administration of IL-1Ra exerts neuroprotective effects following perinatal inflammation and/or hypoxic-ischemic injuries. Brain Behav Immun. (2012) 26:1331–9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.09.001

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

107. Feng Y, Rhodes PG, Bhatt AJ. Dexamethasone pre-treatment protects brain against hypoxic-ischemic injury partially through up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A in neonatal rats. Neuroscience. (2011) 179:223–32. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.01.050

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: neonates, innate immunity, infections, sepsis, neurodevelopment, brain injury

Citation: Tsafaras GP, Ntontsi P and Xanthou G (2020) Advantages and Limitations of the Neonatal Immune System. Front. Pediatr. 8:5. doi: 10.3389/fped.2020.00005

Received: 01 September 2019; Accepted: 07 January 2020;
Published: 28 January 2020.

Edited by:

Vassiliki Papaevangelou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Reviewed by:

Riccardo Castagnoli, University of Pavia, Italy
Stefan Winkler, Dresden University of Technology, Germany

Copyright © 2020 Tsafaras, Ntontsi and Xanthou. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Georgina Xanthou, gxanthou@bioacademy.gr

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.