The immune system in postnatal lung development

The human lungs begin their development early in gestation. Both in utero and postnatally, the lungs undergo intricate morphological changes, the complex regulation of which has been extensively studied for decades. Even before the first breath, immune cells migrate into the lungs in a specific temporal, wave-like manner. Recent evidence suggests that both innate and adaptive immune cells actively participate in alveolarization. In this article, we provide an overview of how the immune system interfaces with the developing lungs. By examining the pathways utilized by the immune system in this context, we can enhance our understanding of their roles in specific developmental processes. Further, we review the effects of dysregulated lung immunity on lung development and the role of immunity in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.