IRF1 and chorioamnionitis: Approximately 40% to 70% preterm births are complicated with chorioamnionitis, leading to an infectious or microbial activation of the innate immune system, including interferon regulatory factor 1, which plays an important role in inflammation regulation in the central nervous system.45,46,47 Moreover, preterm neonates often present with immature swallowing function, characterized by unrefined upper and lower esophageal sphincter kinetics.