Wisgrill L, et al. - The immune response of premature endothelial cells (ECs) after proinflammatory stimulation underwent a comprehensive study. A partial reduction was illustrated in the expression levels and function of cell adhesion molecules by the extremely premature ECs. Reduced nuclear factor 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NFκB) signaling and chemokine/cytokine production were noted in premature ECs. The diminished endothelial proinflammatory immune response could lead to impaired infection control of preterm newborns, making them susceptible to severe infection.