Functional as well as quantitative abnormalities of neutrophilic granulocytes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neonatal septicemia and other infectious complications in human neonates. Despite considerable previous investigation, the molecular basis for observed abnormalities of inflammatory functions of neonatal neutrophils is not well understood. The development of novel preventative or therapeutic strategies for high-risk neonatal populations will depend upon further investigations to delineate the fundamental basis of abnormal cellular events.