Editorial: The early life window of opportunity: role of the microbiome on immune system imprinting

We curated a collection of cutting-edge research examining how the early-life microbiome shapes immune system development with lifelong health implications. This editorial synthesizes five key studies highlighting that the period from late fetal development through infancy represents a critical window of opportunity for microbiome-mediated immune imprinting. The featured research demonstrates how maternal antibiotic treatment alters infant CD8+ T cell function, early microbial disruptions affect enteric neuron density and macrophage populations, and specific bacterial genera correlate with enhanced vaccine responses in infant primates. Our analysis underscores the necessity of maintaining healthy microbiome-immune interactions during early development to prevent immunopathologies and enhance health span, while identifying potential microbiome-targeted interventions for optimal immune system programming.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1417060