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The effect of labor on neonatal T-cell phenotype and function
Catherine A Thornton1, Carlo C Capristo, Lynsey L Power
1Infection, Inflammation and Repair, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK. caj@soton.ac.uk
Pediatric Research
|April 4, 2003
Summary
Mode of delivery did not significantly alter most T-cell functions in newborns. However, CD62L (L-selectin) expression on T cells was higher after cesarean section compared to vaginal delivery, suggesting potential impacts on immune cell programming.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Research
- Fetal Programming
Background:
- Growing interest in fetal programming and its influence on adult diseases necessitates understanding birth-related factors.
- Previous studies indicated mode of delivery affects neonatal monocyte and neutrophil phenotypes.
- The impact of delivery mode on neonatal T-cell phenotype and function remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the mode of delivery influences T-cell phenotype and function in neonates.
- To compare interferon-gamma and IL-2 production in neonatal T cells based on delivery mode.
- To examine the expression of common T-cell activation markers in relation to delivery method.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cord blood mononuclear cells from neonates born via normal vaginal delivery (NVD) versus elective lower-segment cesarean section (ELCS).
- Measurement of interferon-gamma and IL-2 production following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin or anti-CD2/CD3/CD28.
- Flow cytometry assessment of T-cell surface marker expression (CD25, MHC class II, CD69, CD62L, CD11a, CD44, CD49d) and plasma sCD62L levels.
Main Results:
- Neonatal T cells showed reduced interferon-gamma and IL-2 production compared to adult cells, irrespective of delivery mode.
- CD62L (L-selectin) expression was significantly higher on T cells from neonates delivered via ELCS compared to NVD.
- Adult T cells expressed less CD62L than neonatal T cells; plasma sCD62L levels were lower in neonates but did not vary by delivery mode.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal T-cell phenotype and function show minimal differences related to the mode of delivery, except for CD62L expression.
- Higher CD62L expression in ELCS neonates warrants further investigation into potential long-term immune programming effects.
- Variability in NVD samples suggests labor and delivery stress may influence T-cell responses, meriting further study.