Neonatal interleukin-12 capacity is associated with variations in allergen-specific immune responses in the neonatal and postnatal periods

Background and objectivesA reduced capacity of antigen presenting cells (APC) to provide pro-T helper 1 (Th1) signals, such as IL-12, to T cells during early life may be implicated in the development of T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated allergic disease. In this study we examined the relationships between the capacity for IL-12 responses in the neonatal period and atopic risk (family allergy), in vitro T cell responses to allergens, and the subsequent development of allergic disease at 6 year