reviewProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological SciencesDec 22, 2015BRONZE OA

Evolution of the immune system in humans from infancy to old age

AKAnna Katharina SimonGAGeorg A. HolländerAJAndrew J. McMichael

University of Oxford · MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

This article reviews the development of the immune response through neonatal, infant and adult life, including pregnancy, ending with the decline in old age. A picture emerges of a child born with an immature, innate and adaptive immune system, which matures and acquires memory as he or she grows. It then goes into decline in old age. These changes are considered alongside the risks of different types of infection, autoimmune disease and malignancy.

Citation impact

1,785
total citations
FWCI
56.37
Percentile
100%
References
110
Citations per year

Authors

3

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Immune system
  • Disease
  • Acquired immune system
  • Offspring
  • Immunology
  • Malignancy
  • Pregnancy
  • Innate immune system
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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