The immune system is crucial for normal neuronal development and function (neuroimmune system). Both immune and neuronal systems undergo significant postnatal development and are sensitive to developmental programming by environmental experiences. Negative experiences from infection to psychological stress at a range of different time points (in utero to adolescence) can permanently alter the function of the neuroimmune system: given its prominent role in normal brain development and function this dysregulation may increase vulnerability to psychiatric illness. In contrast, positive experiences such as exercise and environmental enrichment are protective and can promote resilience, even restoring the detrimental effects of negative experiences on the neuroimmune system. This suggests the neuroimmune system is a viable therapeutic target for treatment and prevention of psychiatric illnesses, especially those related to stress. In this review we will summarise the main cells, molecules and functions of the immune system in general and with specific reference to central nervous system development and function. We will then discuss the effects of negative and positive environmental experiences, especially during development, in programming the long-term functioning of the neuroimmune system. Finally, we will review the sparse but growing literature on sex differences in neuroimmune development and response to environmental experiences.

免疫系统对于正常的神经元发育和功能（神经免疫系统）至关重要。免疫系统和神经系统都经历了重要的出生后发育，并且对环境经验的发育规划很敏感。在不同时间点（子宫内到青春期）从感染到心理压力的负面经历会永久改变神经免疫系统的功能：鉴于其在正常大脑发育和功能中的突出作用，这种失调可能会增加患精神疾病的可能性。相比之下，锻炼和丰富环境等积极经历具有保护作用，可以促进恢复力，甚至可以恢复消极经历对神经免疫系统的不利影响。这表明神经免疫系统是治疗和预防精神疾病的可行治疗靶点，尤其是那些与压力有关的疾病。在这篇综述中，我们将概括总结免疫系统的主要细胞、分子和功能，并具体参考中枢神经系统的发育和功能。然后，我们将讨论负面和正面环境经历对神经免疫系统长期功能规划的影响，尤其是在发育过程中。最后，我们将回顾关于神经免疫发育和对环境经历反应的性别差异的稀少但不断增加的文献。免疫系统的一般分子和功能，并具体参考中枢神经系统的发育和功能。然后，我们将讨论负面和正面环境经历对神经免疫系统长期功能规划的影响，尤其是在发育过程中。最后，我们将回顾关于神经免疫发育和对环境经历反应的性别差异的稀少但不断增加的文献。免疫系统的一般分子和功能，并具体参考中枢神经系统的发育和功能。然后，我们将讨论负面和正面环境经历对神经免疫系统长期功能规划的影响，尤其是在发育过程中。最后，我们将回顾关于神经免疫发育和对环境经历反应的性别差异的稀少但不断增加的文献。