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Wolska M, Wypych TP, Rodríguez-Viso P. The Influence of Premature Birth on the Development of Pulmonary Diseases: Focus on the Microbiome. Metabolites 2024; 14:382. [PMID: 39057705 PMCID: PMC11279213 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14070382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, around 11% of neonates are born prematurely, comprising a highly vulnerable population with a myriad of health problems. Premature births are often accompanied by an underdeveloped immune system biased towards a Th2 phenotype and microbiota dysbiosis. Typically, a healthy gut microbiota interacts with the host, driving the proper maturation of the host immunity. However, factors like cesarean section, formula milk feeding, hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and routine antibiotic treatments compromise microbial colonization and increase the risk of developing related diseases. This, along with alterations in the innate immune system, could predispose the neonates to the development of respiratory diseases later in life. Currently, therapeutic strategies are mainly focused on restoring gut microbiota composition using probiotics and prebiotics. Understanding the interactions between the gut microbiota and the immature immune system in premature neonates could help to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating or preventing gut-lung axis disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomasz Piotr Wypych
- Laboratory of Host-Microbiota Interactions, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ludwika Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (P.R.-V.)
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2
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Govindaraj D, Jensen GB, Rahman Qazi K, Sverremark‐Ekström E, Abrahamsson T, Jenmalm MC. Effects of extremely preterm birth on cytokine and chemokine responses induced by T-cell activation during infancy. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1510. [PMID: 38737447 PMCID: PMC11087183 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Extremely preterm (EPT; gestational week < 28 + 0, < 1000 g) neonates are vulnerable to infections and necrotising enterocolitis, important contributors to mortality and morbidity. However, knowledge regarding their immune maturation remains limited. We here investigated the longitudinal development of functional T-cell capacity in EPT infants. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at 14th and 28th day (D) and at gestational week 36 + 0 (Gw36) from EPT infants, participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 probiotic supplementation. Blood collected from 25 full-term (FT) infants at D14 was used as control. The secretion of immune mediators was determined through comprehensive Luminex panels after stimulation with human T-cell activator CD3/CD28 beads. Results The levels of many mediators were low in EPT infants at D14, whereas the secretion of several chemokines was higher in EPT than in FT infants. Furthermore, Th2:Th1 cytokine ratios were higher in EPT than in FT infants. Progressively elevated secretion of, for example, IFN-γ, TNF and IL-17A in EPT infants was observed from D14 to D28 and then at Gw36. Elevated levels were observed for many proinflammatory mediators at D28. Probiotic supplementation or perinatal factors (e.g. clinical chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia and delivery mode) did not influence the cytokine and chemokine responses. Conclusions Immune mediators induced by T-cell activation in EPT infants were mainly reduced at D14 and Th2 skewed compared to those in FT infants, but mostly recovered at Gw36, indicating immune maturation. Increased proinflammatory responses at D28 may be related to the heightened risk of severe immune-associated complications seen in EPT infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanapal Govindaraj
- Division of Inflammation and Infection (II), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Georg Bach Jensen
- Division of Inflammation and Infection (II), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's HospitalLinköpingCounty of ÖstergötlandSweden
| | - Khaleda Rahman Qazi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner‐Gren InstituteStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Eva Sverremark‐Ekström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner‐Gren InstituteStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Thomas Abrahamsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection (II), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's HospitalLinköpingCounty of ÖstergötlandSweden
| | - Maria C Jenmalm
- Division of Inflammation and Infection (II), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
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Picaud JC, Faton S, Pradat P, Pastor-Diez B, Martelin A, Armoiry X, Hays S. A new perfusion system to reduce the burden of central-venous-line-associated bloodstream infections in neonates. J Hosp Infect 2024; 143:203-212. [PMID: 37858805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central-venous-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. As there is large variation in the reported effect of multi-modal preventive strategies, it could be relevant to propose new additional strategies. AIM To assess the impact of a new perfusion system on CLABSI rate. METHODS A before-and-after study was performed in infants born at <32 weeks of gestation or with birth weight <1500 g who required a multi-perfusion system connected to a central venous line. In the first 12-month period ('before'), the pre-existing perfusion system (multiple stopcocks) was used. An intervention period then occurred with implementation of a new perfusion closed system, without change in 'bundles' related to various aspects of central line care. During the second 12-month period ('after'), the CLABSI rate was assessed and compared with the pre-intervention period. FINDINGS In total, 313 infants were included in this study (before: N=163; after: N=150), and 46% had birth weight <1000 g. The change in perfusion system resulted in a significant decrease in CLABSI rate from 11.3 to 2.2 per 1000 catheter-days (P<0.001). The period was independently associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of CLABSI after implementation of the new perfusion system [odds ratio (OR) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.39; P<0.001]. The duration of central line use was also associated with CLABSIs (for each additional day: OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.07; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the new perfusion system was feasible in a large neonatal unit, and reduced the CLABSI rate soon after implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Picaud
- Service de néonatologie, Hopital universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Laboratoire CarMen, INSERM, INRA, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Pierre-Bénite, France.
| | - S Faton
- Service de néonatologie, Hopital universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - P Pradat
- Centre de recherche clinique, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - B Pastor-Diez
- Service de néonatologie, Hopital universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - A Martelin
- Pharmacie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - X Armoiry
- University of Lyon, School of Pharmacy/UMR CNRS 5510 MATEIS/Edouard Herriot Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Lyon, France; University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - S Hays
- Service de néonatologie, Hopital universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Rühle J, Ginzel M, Dietz S, Schwarz J, Lajqi T, Beer-Hammer S, Poets CF, Gille C, Köstlin-Gille N. Depletion of Ly6G-Expressing Neutrophilic Cells Leads to Altered Peripheral T-Cell Homeostasis and Thymic Development in Neonatal Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7763. [PMID: 37175470 PMCID: PMC10178674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborns and especially preterm infants are much more susceptible to infections than adults. Due to immature adaptive immunity, especially innate immune cells play an important role in a newborn's infection defense. Neonatal neutrophils exhibit profound differences in their functionality compared to neutrophils of adults. In particular, neonates possess a relevant population of suppressive neutrophils, which not only inhibit but also specifically modulate the function of T-cells. In this study, we investigated whether neonatal neutrophils are already involved in T-cell development in the thymus. For this purpose, we used a newly developed model of antibody-mediated immune cell depletion in which we administered a depleting antibody to pregnant and then lactating dams. Using this method, we were able to sufficiently deplete Ly6G-positive neutrophils in offspring. We demonstrated that the depletion of neutrophils in newborn mice resulted in altered peripheral T-cell homeostasis with a decreased CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio and decreased expression of CD62L. Neutrophil depletion even affected T-cell development in the thymus, with increased double positive thymocytes and a decreased CD4+/CD8+ single positive thymocyte ratio. Altogether, we demonstrated a previously unknown mechanism mediating neutrophils' immunomodulatory effects in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rühle
- Department of Neonatology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.R.); (S.D.); (J.S.); (C.F.P.)
| | - Marco Ginzel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University Hospital, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Stefanie Dietz
- Department of Neonatology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.R.); (S.D.); (J.S.); (C.F.P.)
- Department of Neonatology, Heidelberg University Children’s Hospital, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Julian Schwarz
- Department of Neonatology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.R.); (S.D.); (J.S.); (C.F.P.)
| | - Trim Lajqi
- Department of Neonatology, Heidelberg University Children’s Hospital, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Sandra Beer-Hammer
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomic and ICePhA, University of Tübingen, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Christian F. Poets
- Department of Neonatology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.R.); (S.D.); (J.S.); (C.F.P.)
| | - Christian Gille
- Department of Neonatology, Heidelberg University Children’s Hospital, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Natascha Köstlin-Gille
- Department of Neonatology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.R.); (S.D.); (J.S.); (C.F.P.)
- Department of Neonatology, Heidelberg University Children’s Hospital, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.L.); (C.G.)
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5
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Regulatory T Cells in Development and Prediction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810903. [PMID: 36142816 PMCID: PMC9504949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of mortality in premature infants. However, the pathophysiology and influence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have not been sufficiently elucidated. We performed a scoping review to investigate current knowledge on the influence of Tregs in NEC, and to investigate the predictive value of Treg number in NEC development. Pubmed, Embase, Prospero and Cochrane Library were searched during December 2020. Primary research articles discussing Tregs and NEC development written in English were selected. Two reviewers screened title and abstract for relevance, after which full-text screening was performed. A total of 20 articles were selected—13 of the articles discussed studies performed in animal models, while 8 used human neonate data. One study discussed both animal and human data. It was shown that after NEC diagnosis or induction, Treg levels were decreased while Th17 levels were increased. No studies were found which investigated the predictive value of Treg number in NEC development. A reduced Treg level is found in animals and neonates with NEC. The question remains whether this effect is a factor on the causal pathway of NEC development or a bystander effect. Future research focusing on the pathophysiological timeline of NEC and the involvement of Tregs is required for better understanding of this disease.
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Bench to bedside - new insights into the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:468-479. [PMID: 35347256 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00594-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death and disability from gastrointestinal disease in premature infants. Recent discoveries have shed light on a unifying theorem to explain the pathogenesis of NEC, suggesting that specific treatments might finally be forthcoming. A variety of experiments have highlighted how the interaction between bacterial signalling receptors on the premature intestine and an abnormal gut microbiota incites a pro-inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa and its underlying endothelium that leads to NEC. Central amongst the bacterial signalling receptors implicated in NEC development is the lipopolysaccharide receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which is expressed at higher levels in the premature gut than in the full-term gut. The high prenatal intestinal expression of TLR4 reflects the role of TLR4 in the regulation of normal gut development, and supports additional studies indicating that NEC develops in response to signalling events that occur in utero. This Review provides new evidence explaining the pathogenesis of NEC, explores new findings indicating that NEC development has origins before birth, and discusses future questions and opportunities for discovery in this field.
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7
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Morton SU, Schnur M, Kerper R, Young V, O’Connell AE. Premature Infants Have Normal Maturation of the T Cell Receptor Repertoire at Term. Front Immunol 2022; 13:854414. [PMID: 35707545 PMCID: PMC9189380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.854414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature infants are known to have immature immune systems compared to term infants; however, the impacts of ex utero immune development are not well characterized. Our previous retrospective clinical review showed prolonged T cell lymphopenia in a subset of extremely premature infants, suggesting that they may have lasting abnormalities in their T cell compartments. We used T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire sequencing to analyze the composition of the T cell compartment in premature and term infants in our NICU. We collected twenty-eight samples from individual subjects and analyzed the number of clonotypes, repertoire diversity, CDR3 length, and V gene usage between groups based on gestational age at birth and postmenstrual age at the time of sample collection. Further, we examined the TCR repertoire in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and those with abnormal T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assays. Former extremely premature infants who were corrected to term postmenstrual age had TCR repertoire diversity that was more similar to term born infants than extremely premature infants, supporting normal maturation of the repertoire. Infants with severe BPD did not appear to have increased abnormalities in repertoire diversity. Decreased TCR repertoire diversity was associated with repeatedly abnormal TREC screening, although the diversity was within the normal range for subjects without low TRECs. This study suggests that extremely premature infants demonstrate normal maturation of the T cell repertoire ex utero. Further work is needed to better characterize postnatal T cell development and function in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah U. Morton
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maureen Schnur
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rylee Kerper
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vanessa Young
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amy E. O’Connell
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH), Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Amy E. O’Connell,
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8
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme immature infants are at an increased risk of fungal infection due to immaturity of the skin barrier and the immune system. Besides Candida infections, in particular, Aspergillus may cause life-threatening diseases in preterm infants. Frequently, Aspergillus primarily affects the skin and may cause extensive damage. METHODS We searched our hospital database for fungal infections other than Candida in preterm infants treated between 2015 and 2020 at our level III neonatal intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Cologne. RESULTS In total, 13 preterm infants were identified. Of these, 11 had cutaneous Aspergillosis, one infant had severe enterocolitis caused by Aspergillus and Rhizopus and one had invasive intraabdominal Trichosporon mucoides infection. All infants were born <24 weeks of gestation, were delivered due to premature labor or chorioamnionitis, and had received prenatal steroids and/or hydrocortisone. Voriconazole and liposomal Amphotericin B were first-line treatments and the length of treatment varied between 3 and 148 days. Two infants died associated with severe infection. Liver toxicity was observed in six infants treated with Voriconazole. Therapeutic drug management for Voriconazole was performed in four infants. Target levels were not achieved by the doses that are recommended. CONCLUSIONS Rare fungal infections, predominantly cutaneous Aspergillosis affects the most immature preterm infants and may cause severe disease. Treatment with Voriconazole has a high rate of liver toxicity and target levels are difficult to achieve in extremely immature infants.
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9
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Hibbert J, Strunk T, Nathan E, Prosser A, Doherty D, Simmer K, Richmond P, Burgner D, Currie A. Composition of early life leukocyte populations in preterm infants with and without late-onset sepsis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264768. [PMID: 35235604 PMCID: PMC8890632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Composition of leukocyte populations in the first month of life remains incompletely characterised, particularly in preterm infants who go on to develop late-onset sepsis (LOS).
Aim
To characterise and compare leukocyte populations in preterm infants with and without LOS during the first month of life.
Study design
Single-centre prospective observational cohort study.
Participants
Infants born <30 weeks gestational age (GA).
Outcome measures
Peripheral blood samples were collected at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of life. Leukocyte populations were characterised using 5-fluorophore-6-marker flow cytometry. Absolute leukocyte counts and frequency of total CD45+ leukocytes of each population were adjusted for GA, birth weight z-scores, sex and total leukocyte count.
Results
Of 119 preterm infants enrolled, 43 (36%) had confirmed or clinical LOS, with a median onset at 13 days (range 6–26). Compared to infants without LOS, the adjusted counts and frequency of neutrophils, basophils and non-cytotoxic T lymphocytes were generally lower and immature granulocytes were higher over the first month of life in infants who developed LOS. Specific time point comparisons identified lower adjusted neutrophil counts on the first day of life in those infants who developed LOS more than a week later, compared to those without LOS, albeit levels were within the normal age-adjusted range. Non-cytotoxic T lymphocyte counts and/or frequencies were lower in infants following LOS on days 21 and 28 when compared to those who did not develop LOS.
Conclusion
Changes in non-cytotoxic T lymphocytes occurred following LOS suggesting sepsis-induced immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hibbert
- Neonatal Directorate, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tobias Strunk
- Neonatal Directorate, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Nathan
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Prosser
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dorota Doherty
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Karen Simmer
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Richmond
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Currie
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovation Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Anderson J, Thang CM, Thanh LQ, Dai VTT, Phan VT, Nhu BTH, Trang DNX, Trinh PTP, Nguyen TV, Toan NT, Harpur CM, Mulholland K, Pellicci DG, Do LAH, Licciardi PV. Immune Profiling of Cord Blood From Preterm and Term Infants Reveals Distinct Differences in Pro-Inflammatory Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:777927. [PMID: 34790206 PMCID: PMC8591285 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.777927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm infants are highly vulnerable to infectious disease. While many factors are likely to contribute to this enhanced susceptibility, the immature nature of the preterm immune system is postulated as one key factor. Methods In our study, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry and cytokine assays to characterise the immune profiles in 25 preterm (range: 30.4-34.1 weeks gestational age) and 25 term infant (range: 37-40 weeks gestational age) cord blood samples. Results We found that preterm infants exhibit reduced frequencies of monocytes, CD56bright NK cells, CD8+ T-cells, γδ T-cells and an increased frequency of intermediate monocytes, CD4+ T-cells, central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, Tregs and transitional B-cells compared to term infants. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17A were lower in preterm infants in addition to chemokines IL-8, eotaxin, MIP-1α and MIP-1β. However, IL-15 and MCP-1 were higher in preterm infants. Conclusion Overall, we identify key differences in pro-inflammatory immune profiles between preterm and term infants. These findings may help to explain why preterm infants are more susceptible to infectious disease during early life and facilitate the development of targeted interventions to protect this highly vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Anderson
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cao Minh Thang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Vo Thi Trang Dai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Van Thanh Phan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Bui Thi Hong Nhu
- Department of Labour Delivery, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Nguyen Trong Toan
- Clinical Research Centre, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Christopher M Harpur
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim Mulholland
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel G Pellicci
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lien Anh Ha Do
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul V Licciardi
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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11
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Soullane S, Henderson M, Kang H, Luu TM, Lee GE, Auger N. Cesarean delivery and risk of hospitalization for autoimmune disorders before 14 years of age. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:3359-3366. [PMID: 34041591 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04132-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
It is supposed that cesarean birth is implicated in the development of autoimmunity. We evaluated the association between cesarean delivery and the risk of hospitalization for autoimmune disease in children up to 14 years of age. We performed a longitudinal cohort study of 934,873 children born between 2006 and 2019 in Quebec, Canada. The main exposure measure was cesarean delivery versus vaginal delivery (spontaneous or induced). Outcomes included hospitalization for type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, or other autoimmune disorders before 14 years of age. We used Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between cesarean delivery and hospitalization for autoimmune disorders, adjusted for patient characteristics. A total of 248,963 children (27%) were delivered by cesarean. Median length of follow-up was 7.4 years. The hospitalization rate for autoimmune disorders was 69.1 per 100,000 person-years for cesarean and 65.9 per 100,000 person-years for vaginal delivery. Cesarean delivery was not associated with autoimmune disorders overall (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96-1.10). There was no association with type 1 diabetes (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.85-1.17), celiac disease (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.71-1.04), inflammatory bowel disease (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.88-1.49), or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.82-1.25). Cesarean delivery was not associated with autoimmune disorders at different ages.Conclusion: This study suggests that cesarean delivery is not associated with the risk of hospitalization for autoimmune disorders before 14 years of age. Delivery mode does not seem to mediate the risk of autoimmunity in childhood. What is Known: • Children born by cesarean may be at risk of abnormal immune development. • The association between cesarean delivery and risk of pediatric autoimmune disorders is unclear. What is New: • In this cohort study of over 900,000 children, cesarean delivery was not associated with the risk of hospitalization for a range of autoimmune disorders before 14 years of age. • Cesarean delivery may not be related to the development of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Soullane
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Henderson
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Harb Kang
- Division of Rheumatology, Cité de la Santé Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ga Eun Lee
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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12
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Ren S, Pan X, Hui Y, Kot W, Gao F, Sangild PT, Nguyen DN. Subclinical necrotizing enterocolitis-induced systemic immune suppression in neonatal preterm pigs. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 321:G18-G28. [PMID: 34009048 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00408.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Preterm infants are at high risks of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Some develop sepsis shortly after suspected or confirmed NEC, implying that NEC may predispose to sepsis but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using NEC-sensitive preterm pigs as models, we investigated the immune status in animals following development of subclinical NEC-like lesions with variable severities. Caesarean-delivered preterm pigs were reared until day 5 or day 9. Blood was analyzed for T-cell subsets, neutrophil phagocytosis, transcriptomics, and immune responses to in vitro LPS challenge. Gut tissues were used for histology and cytokine analyses. Pigs with/without macroscopic NEC lesions were scored as healthy, mild, or severe NEC. Overall NEC incidence was similar on day 5 and day 9 (61%-62%) but with lower severity on day 9, implying gradual mucosal repair following the early phase of NEC. Pigs with NEC showed decreased goblet cell density and increased MPO+ and CD3+ cell infiltration in the distal small intestine or colon. Mild or severe NEC lesions had limited effects on circulating parameters on day 5. On day 9, pigs with NEC lesions (especially severe lesions) showed systemic immune suppression, as indicated by elevated Treg frequency, impaired neutrophil phagocytosis, low expression of genes related to innate immunity and Th1 polarization, and diminished LPS-induced immune responses. In conclusion, we shows evidence for NEC-induced systemic immune suppression, even with mild and subclinical NEC lesions. The results help to explain that preterm infants suffering from NEC may show high sensitivity to later secondary infections and sepsis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis are common diseases in preterm infants. Many develop sepsis following an episode of suspected NEC, suggesting NEC as a predisposing factor for sepsis but mechanisms are unclear. Using preterm pigs as a model, now we show that subclinical NEC lesions, independent of clinical confounding factors, induces systemic immune suppression. The results may help to explain the increased risks of infection and sepsis in preterm infants with previous NEC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqiang Ren
- Section for Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Pan
- Section for Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yan Hui
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Witold Kot
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fei Gao
- Section for Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Per T Sangild
- Section for Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Duc Ninh Nguyen
- Section for Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Rahman Qazi K, Jensen GB, van der Heiden M, Björkander S, Marchini G, Jenmalm MC, Abrahamsson T, Sverremark-Ekström E. Extreme prematurity and sepsis strongly influence frequencies and functional characteristics of circulating γδ T and natural killer cells. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1294. [PMID: 34136218 PMCID: PMC8192243 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Extremely low gestational age neonates with extremely low birthweight (ELGAN/ELBW) are highly susceptible to infection. This is linked to their relatively immature immune system which is not yet fully compatible with an extra‐uterine environment. Here, we performed a longitudinal characterisation of unconventional T and natural killer (NK) cells in ELGAN/ELBW during their first months of life. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 97 ELGAN/ELBW at 14 and 28 days of life and at a time point corresponding to postmenstrual week 36 + 0. γδ T‐cell, NKT‐cell, mucosa‐associated invariant T‐cell and NK cell frequencies and characteristics were analysed by flow cytometry. As control, cells from 14‐day‐old full‐term (FT) infants were included. Results Extreme prematurity had significant bearing on γδ T‐cell and NK cell frequencies and characteristics. ELGAN/ELBW had significantly higher proportions of γδ T cells that were skewed towards effector and effector memory phenotypes, characteristics that were maintained throughout the study period. Expression of the gut homing receptor CCR9 was also more common in γδ T cells from ELGAN/ELBW. Conversely, NK cell frequencies were markedly lower and skewed towards a cytotoxic phenotype in the ELGAN/ELBW group at 14 days of age. Culture‐proven sepsis with an onset during the first 14 days after birth further manifested these differences in the γδ T‐ and NK cell populations at 14 days of age. Conclusion Prematurity strongly influences the levels of γδ T and NK cells, in particular in cases where sepsis debuts during the first 2 weeks of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleda Rahman Qazi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The Wenner-Gren Institute Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Georg B Jensen
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden.,Department of Paediatrics Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Marieke van der Heiden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The Wenner-Gren Institute Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Sophia Björkander
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The Wenner-Gren Institute Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Giovanna Marchini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Maria C Jenmalm
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Thomas Abrahamsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden.,Department of Paediatrics Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Eva Sverremark-Ekström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The Wenner-Gren Institute Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
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14
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Nolan LS, Mihi B, Agrawal P, Gong Q, Rimer JM, Bidani SS, Gale SE, Goree M, Hu E, Lanik WE, Huang E, Bando JK, Liu V, Lewis AN, Bustos A, Hodzic Z, Laury ML, Good M. Indole-3-Carbinol-Dependent Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Attenuates the Inflammatory Response in Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Immunohorizons 2021; 5:193-209. [PMID: 33906960 PMCID: PMC8173979 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) causes significant morbidity and mortality in premature infants; therefore, the identification of therapeutic and preventative strategies against NEC remains a high priority. The ligand-dependent transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is well known to contribute to the regulation of intestinal microbial communities and amelioration of intestinal inflammation. However, the role of AhR signaling in NEC is unclear. Experimental NEC was induced in 4-d-old wild-type mice or mice lacking AhR expression in the intestinal epithelial cells or AhR expression in CD11c+ cells (AhRΔCD11c) by subjecting animals to twice daily hypoxic stress and gavage feeding with formula supplemented with LPS and enteric bacteria. During NEC, compared with wild-type mice treated with vehicle, littermates treated with an AhR proligand, indole-3-carbinol, had reduced expression of Il1b and Marco, a scavenger receptor that mediates dendritic cell activation and the recognition and clearance of bacterial pathogens by macrophages. Furthermore, indole-3-carbinol treatment led to the downregulation of genes involved in cytokine and chemokine, as revealed by pathway enrichment analysis. AhR expression in the intestinal epithelial cells and their cre-negative mouse littermates were similarly susceptible to experimental NEC, whereas AhRΔCD11c mice with NEC exhibited heightened inflammatory responses compared with their cre-negative mouse littermates. In seeking to determine the mechanisms involved in this increased inflammatory response, we identified the Tim-4- monocyte-dependent subset of macrophages as increased in AhRΔCD11c mice compared with their cre-negative littermates. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the potential for AhR ligands as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to the management of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila S Nolan
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Belgacem Mihi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Qingqing Gong
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jamie M Rimer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Shay S Bidani
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah E Gale
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Martin Goree
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Elise Hu
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Wyatt E Lanik
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Elizabeth Huang
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jennifer K Bando
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Victoria Liu
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Angela N Lewis
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Aiza Bustos
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Zerina Hodzic
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Marie L Laury
- Genome Technology Access Center, McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Misty Good
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO;
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15
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Semmes EC, Chen JL, Goswami R, Burt TD, Permar SR, Fouda GG. Understanding Early-Life Adaptive Immunity to Guide Interventions for Pediatric Health. Front Immunol 2021; 11:595297. [PMID: 33552052 PMCID: PMC7858666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Infants are capable of mounting adaptive immune responses, but their ability to develop long-lasting immunity is limited. Understanding the particularities of the neonatal adaptive immune system is therefore critical to guide the design of immune-based interventions, including vaccines, in early life. In this review, we present a thorough summary of T cell, B cell, and humoral immunity in early life and discuss infant adaptive immune responses to pathogens and vaccines. We focus on the differences between T and B cell responses in early life and adulthood, which hinder the generation of long-lasting adaptive immune responses in infancy. We discuss how knowledge of early life adaptive immunity can be applied when developing vaccine strategies for this unique period of immune development. In particular, we emphasize the use of novel vaccine adjuvants and optimization of infant vaccine schedules. We also propose integrating maternal and infant immunization strategies to ensure optimal neonatal protection through passive maternal antibody transfer while avoiding hindering infant vaccine responses. Our review highlights that the infant adaptive immune system is functionally distinct and uniquely regulated compared to later life and that these particularities should be considered when designing interventions to promote pediatric health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor C. Semmes
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Children’s Health and Discovery Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jui-Lin Chen
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ria Goswami
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Trevor D. Burt
- Children’s Health and Discovery Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sallie R. Permar
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Children’s Health and Discovery Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Genevieve G. Fouda
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Children’s Health and Discovery Initiative, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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16
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Abstract
Mucosal surfaces are distinctive sites exposed to environmental, dietary, and microbial antigens. Particularly in the gut, the host continuously actively adapts via complex interactions between the microbiota and dietary compounds and immune and other tissue cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tuning the intestinal immune response to self- and non-self-antigens in the intestine. Its importance in intestinal homeostasis is illustrated by the onset of overt inflammation caused by deficiency in Treg generation, function, or stability in the gut. A substantial imbalance in Tregs has been observed in intestinal tissue during pathogenic conditions, when a tightly regulated and equilibrated system becomes dysregulated and leads to unimpeded and chronic immune responses. In this chapter, we compile and critically discuss the current knowledge on the key factors that promote Treg-mediated tolerance in the gut, such as those involved in intestinal Treg differentiation, specificity and suppressive function, and their immunophenotype during health and disease. We also discuss the current state of knowledge on Treg dysregulation in human intestine during pathological states such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and colorectal cancer (CRC), and how that knowledge is guiding development of Treg-targeted therapies to treat or prevent intestinal disorders.
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17
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Sampah MES, Hackam DJ. Dysregulated Mucosal Immunity and Associated Pathogeneses in Preterm Neonates. Front Immunol 2020; 11:899. [PMID: 32499778 PMCID: PMC7243348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many functions of the immune system are impaired in neonates, allowing vulnerability to serious bacterial, viral and fungal infections which would otherwise not be pathogenic to mature individuals. This vulnerability is exacerbated in compromised newborns such as premature neonates and those who have undergone surgery or who require care in an intensive care unit. Higher susceptibility of preterm neonates to infections is associated with delayed immune system maturation, with deficiencies present in both the innate and adaptive immune components. Here, we review recent insights into early life immunity, and highlight features associated with compromised newborns, given the challenges of studying neonatal immunity in compromised neonates due to the transient nature of this period of life, and logistical and ethical obstacles posed by undertaking studies newborns and infants. Finally, we highlight how the unique immunological characteristics of the premature host play key roles in the pathogenesis of diseases that are unique to this population, including necrotizing enterocolitis and the associated sequalae of lung and brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maame Efua S Sampah
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David J Hackam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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