The ontogeny of the gut mucosal immune system and the susceptibility to infections in infants of developing countries

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Abstract
In this review we summarize data on the human gut mucosa associated lymphatic tissues as part of the common mucosal immune system. Its embryonal-fetal and post-natal ontogeny becomes severely distorted and compromised by mal-/undernutrition which is so prevalent in developing countries. Pathogenetic interdependencies exist between maternal-fetal undernutrition, the ontogeny of the immune system, constant antigenic stimulation of the mucosal immune system post-natally, and the 14 million deaths annually from infections in children below the age of 5 years in developing countries. A detailed knowledge of these interdependencies is required for effective prevention and treatment in an attempt to reduce the high morbidity and mortality rates of children in developing countries.