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Published on: August 12, 2020
CD14 receptor expression and lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production in preterm and term neonates
H Bessler1, L Komlos, I Punsky
1Hematology and Immunology Research Laboratory, Rabin Medical Center-Golda Campus, Petah-Tiqva, Israel.
Insights
Neonatal mononuclear cells show lower CD14 expression and reduced proinflammatory cytokine secretion compared to adults. This may explain neonates' limited fever response to infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Mononuclear cells (MC) play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Neonates exhibit distinct immunological characteristics compared to adults.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent stimulator of proinflammatory cytokine production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare CD14 expression and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in neonatal and adult mononuclear cells.
- To investigate the relationship between CD14 expression and cytokine response in neonates.
- To understand the implications for neonatal immune defense and fever development.
Main Methods:
- Mononuclear cells (MC) from preterm neonates, term neonates, and adults were isolated.
- MC were stimulated with varying doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6) in supernatants were measured.
- CD14 receptor expression on MC was analyzed.
Main Results:
- MC from preterm neonates, term neonates, and adults showed dose-dependent cytokine production.
- CD14 expression was lowest in preterm infants, intermediate in term infants, and highest in adults.
- A significant difference in both CD14 expression and cytokine production was observed between term and preterm neonates.
- Neonatal cells exhibited lower cytokine secretion compared to adult cells.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal mononuclear cells have lower CD14 expression and reduced capacity to secrete proinflammatory cytokines.
- The diminished CD14 expression correlates with decreased cytokine production in neonates.
- This reduced immune response may contribute to the impaired fever development in neonates.
Abstract:
CD14 expression and the capacity of mononuclear cells (MC) from preterm and term neonates to secrete the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated and compared to that of adults. MC were incubated with various doses of LPS, and the cytokine level in the supernatants was tested. CD14 receptors on MC and the intensity of their expression were analyzed. MC of preterm and term neonates and adults responded to LPS with low, medium and high proinflammatory cytokine production, respectively. CD14 expression was lowest in preterm infants, intermediate in term infants and highest in adults. The difference between term and preterm neonates for both parameters was significant. The results suggest a possible correlation between the lower expression of CD14 receptor on neonatal cells and the reduced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by these cells. This decreased production may possibly contribute to the low ability of neonates to develop fever.
