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An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Serum mannose-binding lectin levels are linked with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease
Lucas Zimon Giacomini Ribeiro1, Ralph A Tripp, Lívia Maria Gonçalves Rossi
1Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720, Bloco 4C, andar superior, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
The innate immune response facilitates the quality of the adaptive immune response and is critical to an individual's susceptibility to infection and disease. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a plasma protein with anti-microbial properties that binds a wide range of pathogens to flag them for immune destruction independent of antibodies. In this study, serum MBL levels were measured in 81 children <5 years old experiencing acute respiratory syncytial virus infection and in 40 control children to determine the association with disease severity. Almost 70% of all RSV-infected children had low to intermediate MBL levels (<500 ng/ml) compared to controls, and most of the <6 months old RSV interned patients had low to intermediate levels. No differences were detected in MBL levels between case and control children <1 month old. Analysis of the T-cell compartment in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from acute RSV-infected and control children showed that the percent CD4+ T cells was statistically lower in RSV-infected children > or =6 months old compared to controls, while the percent CD8+ T cells in RSV-infected and control PBMC was generally similar. These results suggest that low serum MBL levels may be a marker of RSV disease severity in children and that MBL may be important in limiting RSV disease pathogenesis.
Insights
Low mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels are linked to severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children. This suggests MBL plays a key role in fighting RSV disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The innate immune system is crucial for defense against infections.
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an antibody-independent immune protein that recognizes and binds pathogens.
- MBL's role in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection severity in children is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum MBL levels and the severity of acute RSV infection in children.
- To examine the impact of MBL levels on T-cell populations in children with RSV infection.
Main Methods:
- Serum MBL levels were quantified in 81 children under 5 years old with acute RSV infection and 40 age-matched controls.
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed for T-cell subsets (CD4+ and CD8+) in RSV-infected and control children.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare MBL levels and T-cell percentages between groups.
Main Results:
- Approximately 70% of RSV-infected children exhibited low to intermediate MBL levels (<500 ng/ml), compared to controls.
- Children under 6 months with RSV infection predominantly had low to intermediate MBL levels.
- RSV-infected children aged 6 months and older showed significantly lower percentages of CD4+ T cells compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Low serum MBL levels may serve as a potential biomarker for increased RSV disease severity in children.
- MBL appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis and immune response to RSV infection.
- Further research into MBL's therapeutic potential for RSV infections is warranted.
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