Editorial: Autoimmunity and Chronic Inflammation in Early Life

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disease and chronic inflammatory diseases are often attributed to an interplay between genetic predispositions and imprinting mechanisms early in life. In a simplified concept, the fetal development is characterized by the acquisition of immuno-tolerance towards maternal and self-antigens, whereas the neonatal period reflects the acquisition of immune-defense against potentially harmful environmental antigen. Immune development involves a complex cross talk of immune cells in various organs that is influenced by environmental antigen (1–3). During infancy and childhood, autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation coincide with an exponential diversification of the adaptive immune system, causing potentially life-long consequences. Interestingly, the earlier hypothesis of an “immunodeficiency of immaturity” had to be partially revised since it has become clear that inflammatory states in the neonate, e.g. in the context of sepsis, represent a lack of controlling inflammation rather than a failure to mount inflammation. Thus, hyperinflammatory states can occur even in the very immature organism and can lay the ground for autoimmunity or various conditions of chronic inflammation. This knowledge may affect therapeutic approaches.

In this Research Topic, we have called for publications that relate to clinical or molecular aspects of aberrant immune responses in pediatric patients. Here we briefly present the 12 contributions that comprise six Original Research articles, three (mini) reviews and three case reports. The contributions can be grouped into three sections:

1. Clinical manifestations of early autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases

2. From molecular mechanisms to autoimmune phenotypes