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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Immune response to respiratory syncytial virus in young Brazilian children

D A O Queiróz1, E L Durigon, V F Botosso

  • 1Departamento de Imunologia, Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ci ncias Biom dicas, Universidade Federal de Uberl ndia, Uberl ndia, MG, Brasil. dqueiroz@icbim.ufu.br

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research = Revista Brasileira De Pesquisas Medicas E Biologicas
|November 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Infants under 3 months show a weak immune response to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Older infants (over 3 months) mount a stronger humoral and cellular immune response to RSV infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Virology

Background:

  • Primary respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a significant cause of lower respiratory tract illness in infants.
  • Understanding the infant immune response to RSV is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cellular and humoral immune responses to primary RSV infection in infants.
  • To investigate the influence of age on the infant immune response to RSV.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 65 infants (<=12 months) were analyzed for anti-RSV IgG and IgG subclass antibodies using enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 29 RSV-infected children were analyzed for cell surface markers using flow cytometry.
  • PBMC were stimulated with RSV to assess cytokine production.

Main Results:

  • Infants <3 months old had a low seroconversion rate, with predominantly T lymphocytes in their PBMC.
  • Infants >3 months old exhibited a higher seroconversion rate, with a predominance of B lymphocytes.
  • RSV stimulation of PBMC did not significantly increase intracellular or secreted cytokines in most infants.

Conclusions:

  • Infant age is a critical factor influencing the development of an immune response to RSV.
  • Younger infants (<3 months) have a less robust immune response to RSV compared to older infants.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind age-dependent immune responses to RSV in infants.

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