Includes bibliographical references (p. 303-372) and index
Structure and function of the immune system in vertebrates -- Ontogeny and development of cells mediating innate and adaptive immunity -- Phenotypic characteristics of neonatal B cells -- Molecular characteristics of neonatal B-cell repertoire -- Genetically programmed temporal ordered activation of neonatal B-cell clones -- Antibody response in fetus and newborns -- Effect of maternal antibodies on neonatal B-cell response -- Neonatal autoimmune diseases caused by maternal pathogenic autoantibodies -- Phenotypic characteristics of neonatal T cells -- Expression of MHC molecules in neonates -- Neonatal cytokine network -- Cell-mediated immune repsonse in neonates -- fetal and neonatal tolerance -- Development of efficient prophylactic vaccines and theracines for newborns and infants