Immunology and Immunodeficiencies in Children

Abstract

The immune system in neonates is different to that of adults and evolves in the first few years of life to achieve adult-like responses. This chapter highlights the response of the immune system to sepsis both in pediatric and neonatal age groups and the intricate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to limit the damage secondary to infections. Immunodeficiencies primary or acquired are described in detail including their common presentations, common pathogens involved, the cell type involved, mechanism of deficiency, treatment, and prognosis including specific considerations for these patients prior to surgery. Immunomodulation of immune system either by alteration in ligand receptor binding or intracellular signal can help to modulate the disease process and may alter the prognosis for children with sepsis in the future. The immune system in neonates is different to that of adults and evolves in the first few years of life to achieve adult-like responses. This chapter highlights the response of the immune system to sepsis both in pediatric and neonatal age groups and the intricate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to limit the damage secondary to infections. Immunodeficiencies primary or acquired are described in detail including their common presentations, common pathogens involved, the cell type involved, mechanism of deficiency, treatment, and prognosis including specific considerations for these patients prior to surgery. Immunomodulation of immune system either by alteration in ligand receptor binding or intracellular signal can help to modulate the disease process and may alter the prognosis for children with sepsis in the future. The immune system in neonates is different to that of adults and evolves in the first few years of life to achieve adult-like responses. This chapter highlights the response of the immune system to sepsis both in pediatric and neonatal age groups and the intricate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to limit the damage secondary to infections. Immunodeficiencies primary or acquired are described in detail including their common presentations, common pathogens involved, the cell type involved, mechanism of deficiency, treatment, and prognosis including specific considerations for these patients prior to surgery. Immunomodulation of immune system either by alteration in ligand receptor binding or intracellular signal can help to modulate the disease process and may alter the prognosis for children with sepsis in the future. The immune system in neonates is different to that of adults and evolves in the first few years of life to achieve adult-like responses. This chapter highlights the response of the immune system to sepsis both in pediatric and neonatal age groups and the intricate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to limit the damage secondary to infections. Immunodeficiencies primary or acquired are described in detail including their common presentations, common pathogens involved, the cell type involved, mechanism of deficiency, treatment, and prognosis including specific considerations for these patients prior to surgery. Immunomodulation of immune system either by alteration in ligand receptor binding or intracellular signal can help to modulate the disease process and may alter the prognosis for children with sepsis in the future. The immune system in neonates is different to that of adults and evolves in the first few years of life to achieve adult-like responses. This chapter highlights the response of the immune system to sepsis both in pediatric and neonatal age groups and the intricate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to limit the damage secondary to infections. Immunodeficiencies primary or acquired are described in detail including their common presentations, common pathogens involved, the cell type involved, mechanism of deficiency, treatment, and prognosis including specific considerations for these patients prior to surgery. Immunomodulation of immune system either by alteration in ligand receptor binding or intracellular signal can help to modulate the disease process and may alter the prognosis for children with sepsis in the future.