Fetal And Neonate Immunity
Discussion Board Posting
- Discuss fetal and neonate immunity: How are they protected from infection?
- How do B cells and T cells differentiate in their part in immunology?
- What are the roles of antigens, and phagocytes in infection control?
Classmate 1
Fetal And Neonate Immunity
Neonates are particularly vulnerable to infection and disease due to their immune systems not being fully developed while in the womb. It is hypothesized that while the infantile immune system is under development during the perinatal stage, innate lymphoid cells play an important role in protecting the neonate by providing the mechanistic and functional tools to respond rapidly to the transition from a sterile intrauterine environment to the complicated nature of the external world and differentiate what is to be tolerated from microbes that need elimination through vigorous host responses (Yu et al., 2018). While the fetus is still in the womb, however, a mother has the ability to transfer her immunity to the fetus through the placenta. Although beneficial it can also expose the fetus to infections that the mother may acquire. Once the fetus is out of their sterile environment in the womb, they are exposed to new antigens and are at higher risk for exposure. Breastfeeding is said to be a powerful immunological tool in aiding the neonate to acquire immunity.
B and T cell differentiation
Both B and C cells are both considered lymphocyte and their primary function is to fight off infection in our body. B cells contribute to disease pathogenesis in autoimmunity and alloimmunity by demonstrating antigens as well as providing costimulation and cytokines to T cells, they also play an immunomodulatory role in balancing the immune response by secreting cytokines that inhibit disease onset and/or progression (Hoffman et al., 2016). Furthermore, the cell is responsible for the detection of a transplanted organism and formulates an attack on it which may lead to rejection. Like many other cells, T cells originate from the bone marrow. Their primary function is to coordinate multiple aspects of adaptive immunity throughout life, including responses to pathogens, allergens, and tumors (Kumar et al., 2018). They also play a vital role in initiating the inflammatory response when a disease process is present.
The Role of Antigens and Phagocytes in Infection Control
When the human body is first introduced to the infectious process, there is an initiation of various processes that work in conjunction to fight off the imperfection. While many different cells are involved in the process, they all have different roles in attempting to return to homeostasis. An antigen is considered a toxin or foreign substance which causes an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies to help fight off infection. Phagocytes play a crucial role in innate immunity by eliminating pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and malignant cells, in addition, phagocytes also play a part in tissue remodeling and maintain overall homeostasis by removing apoptotic cells (Lim et al., 2017). Phagocytes are also involved in the initiation of the inflammatory process and are first initiated when they identify the antigen present and work towards fighting the infection through a variety of different complement activations.
Sample Answer
Classmate 1
I like your view about fetal and neonate immunity. They indeed have a weak immunity since they are not fully developed. Therefore, this makes them susceptible to infection and diseases. However, recent research revealed that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) respond rapidly to conditions to restore innate immunity (Winkelhorst et al., 2017). Also, mothers play a significant role in fetal immunity. They transfer antibodies such as the IgG through the placenta to the fetus (Winkelhorst et al., 2017). Your analysis of B and T cell differentiation is very comprehensive. They are white blood cells that help protect the body against infection, and they originate from the bone marrow (Rao, 2018). Also, I like how you have explained the role of antigens and phagocytes in infection control. Antigens help generate antibodies that fight pathogens. On the other hand, phagocytes help eliminate pathogenic cells and tissue repair (Lim et al., 2017).
