Editorial: The early life window of opportunity: role of the microbiome on immune system imprinting

The early stages of life, from the late fetal period to infancy, represent a critical window of opportunity for shaping the immune system and setting the stage for lifelong health span. During this time, the developing microbiome plays a crucial role in educating and priming immune responses, with long-lasting consequences for health and disease. This Research Topic brings together five articles that provide novel insights into the complex interactions between the early-life microbiome and immune system development. Figure 1 provides a visual representation of the key concepts discussed in this Research Topic, highlighting the critical role of the early-life microbiome in shaping health span.