[Each individual passes through developmental or transient immunodeficiency due to the immaturity of the immune system in early childhood, expecially in the neonatal period. Therefore, neonates contract infections by intracellular and extracellular microorganisms more easily than older children and adults, and develop more severe disease with a high mortality rate. A number of abnormalities in the neonate’s host defense systems have been described suggesting that the immune system at birth functionally differs from that in adults. Neonatal T and B cells show decreased reactivity to antigens and mitogens and have deficienct IgM-IgG isotype switching. Newborns have decreased functional capacities of the hemolytic complement system. Under the same in vitro and in vivo conditions neonatal granulocytes show functional deficiency earlier than adult cells. Effector mechanisms of the cell-mediated immunity involve activation of macrophages by T helper1 cytokines, particularly interferon- γ (IFN-γ). IFN-γ is the most important macrophage-activating cytokine in vivo. Neonatal T cells express lower levels of IFN-γ and macrophages are hyporesponsive to activation by this cytokine. This deficiency may be explained by decreased phosphorilation of STAT1 despite comparable expression of STAT1 protein in neonatal and adult macrophages.]

[INTRODUCTION - The authors give a report about their experiences obtained by long-term follow-up of a large Hungarian lupus patient population. They also compare their results with literature data. PATIENTS AND METHODS - Clinical and laboratory characteristics of 800 SLE patients followed at this institution were analysed. Issues of diagnosis, therapy and outcome measures were also discussed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION - Results indicate that the incidence and prevalence of SLE are increasing. Recently, milder cases are also recognised. Early diagnosis makes possible an early adequate therapy. Partly due to these the survival improved, and the mortality reduced. The compliance of patients also improved. The authors suggest the importance of regular medical follow-up. Despite of that, the clinical presentations of SLE have not been changed the disease became milder. Considering the longer survival in lupus, chronic complications, such as vascular diseases, osteoporosis and cancer are suspected to appear more frequently. On the other hand, there is a small group of patients still being in risk, as they fail to respond conventional immunosuppressive therapy. These patients die within a short period due to progression of SLE. This indicates the importance of research work on the pathogenesis of SLE. Based on the results of basic research novell immune modulator modalities should be developed.]