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Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity01:20

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The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
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Related Experiment Video

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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

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Published on: May 21, 2015

Immunological tolerance during fetal development: from mouse to man.

Jeff E Mold1, Joseph M McCune

  • 1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Advances in Immunology
|May 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Human fetal immune system development differs significantly from mice, with mature T cells appearing much earlier. This early development has implications for immune tolerance and responses to maternal antigens.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Comparative Biology

Background:

  • Mouse models are crucial for studying adaptive immune system development due to accessibility and available tools.
  • Significant temporal variations exist in immune system development across species during early life.
  • Mouse mature alpha/beta T cells emerge late in fetal gestation, increasing postnatally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review immune system ontogeny in mice and humans.
  • To focus on the functional roles of fetal T cell populations in human development.
  • To explore the implications of early human peripheral adaptive immune system development.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of immune system ontogeny studies in mice and humans.
  • Review of existing literature on T cell development timelines.
  • Focus on functional implications of species-specific developmental timing.

Main Results:

  • Human fetuses show mature alpha/beta T cells in peripheral tissues by 10-12 gestational weeks, with significant numbers by the second trimester.
  • This contrasts with mice, where mature T cells appear peripherally late in gestation and increase postnatally.
  • Early human T cell development suggests potential impacts on peripheral tolerance and responses to placental antigens.

Conclusions:

  • Early development of the human peripheral adaptive immune system has significant biological consequences.
  • These consequences may include altered development of peripheral tolerance.
  • Early T cell presence influences responses to transplacental antigens like maternal alloantigens and infectious agents.