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Rotavirus infection alters peripheral T-cell homeostasis in children with acute diarrhea

Yuhuan Wang1, Penelope H Dennehy, Harry L Keyserling

  • 1Division of Viral Diseases, Scientific Resources Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.

Journal of Virology
|February 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus infection in children triggers strong antiviral and B-cell responses but temporarily disrupts T-cell balance. Immune cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) show altered gene expression and T-cell populations.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhea in children worldwide.
  • Understanding the immune response to rotavirus is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies.
  • Previous studies have indicated immune system alterations during rotavirus infection, but detailed molecular and cellular changes remain to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare gene expression patterns and lymphocyte phenotypes in children with rotavirus diarrhea versus healthy children.
  • To investigate the molecular and cellular immune responses, including cytokine production and T-cell/B-cell dynamics, during acute and convalescent phases of rotavirus infection.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed from children with rotavirus diarrhea and healthy controls.
  • Techniques included DNA microarray for gene expression profiling, quantitative PCR for specific gene analysis, and flow cytometry for cell surface marker detection.
  • Analysis focused on gene expression related to inflammation, antiviral responses, and lymphocyte differentiation, activation, and survival.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus infection significantly increased the expression of genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines and interferon-stimulated proteins.
  • Activation of B-lymphocyte differentiation, maturation, activation, and survival genes was observed, alongside increased CD83 and CD69 expression on B cells.
  • A transient decrease in total T lymphocytes, including CD4 and CD8 subsets, was noted, with altered gene expression related to T-cell development; T-cell proportions normalized during convalescence.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus infection in children induces potent proinflammatory and antiviral immune responses and robust B-cell activation.
  • The infection temporarily disrupts peripheral T-cell homeostasis, characterized by reduced T-cell populations and altered gene expression.
  • Immune cell activation markers, such as CD83, remain elevated on T lymphocytes even after the acute phase, suggesting lasting immune modulation.

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