Immune conditions of the human newborn. II. Cellular specific inmunity. Antibody-dependent cellular cyto­toxicity and natural killer

Abstract

The cellular immunity of the human new­ born, like the rest of the immune system, is functionally deficient. His regulatory func­ tion and the effector role are impaired. The function of the «third population» of lym­phocytes and the natural killer activity are also immature at this age. These decreased functional properties may provide another explanation for the increased susceptibility to infection in the neonate.