The Developing Immune Network in Human Prenatal Skin

The document reviews the development of the immune network in human prenatal skin, detailing the presence and roles of various immune cells during gestation. It notes that immune cells, including Langerhans cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells, and innate lymphoid cells, appear as early as 6 post-conception weeks (PCW) and contribute to the structural maturation and barrier function of the skin. The review finds that the prenatal skin environment supports immune cell differentiation and maintains an anti-inflammatory profile, which is essential for scarless wound healing and development. It also points out that while the immune cell composition in developing skin is less dense than in adult skin, it is diverse and plays a role in tissue generation and regeneration. The origins of these immune cells could be from the yolk sac, fetal liver, or bone marrow. The document suggests that further research into the functional maturity and specific developmental roles of these immune cells could enhance the understanding of inflammatory skin diseases and regenerative medicine.