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Immune T cells of newborn may have the ability to trigger an inflammatory response to bacteria, according to a new study. 

The study noted that although the immune system of babies works very differently to that of adults but they still be able to mount strong immune defense. 

Up until now, it was believed that babies have an immune system that doesn't trigger the same inflammatory response normally seen in adults. 

Researchers discovered that whilst T cells in newborn babies are largely different to those in adults, it is not due to their immunosupression. Instead they manufacture a potent anti-bacterial molecule known as IL8 that has not previously been considered a major product of T cells. 

"We found that babies have an in-built anti-bacterial defense mechanism that works differently to adults, but nevertheless may be effective in protecting them. This may also be a mechanism by which the baby protects itself in the womb from infections of the mother. The next stage of our work will be to better understand the pathways that result in the immune cells of newborns being so different to those in adults," said Dr Deena Gibbons, lead author in the Department of Immunobiology at King's College London. 

The press release added that T cell activity could become a target for future treatments aimed at boosting the immune system of neonates in intensive care, where infection is a major risk for morbidity and mortality.

The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine.