Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
10:29
Mapping Infant Immunity with Minimal Input: Integrative Single-Cell and Multiomic Profiling
Published on: April 3, 2026
Leukocyte subset-derived genomewide expression profiles in pediatric septic shock
Hector R Wong1, Robert J Freishtat, Marie Monaco
1Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. hector.wong@cchmc.org
Summary
Genomic expression profiles from whole blood and specific leukocytes in children with septic shock showed similar immune pathway enrichments. This confirms that whole blood analysis accurately reflects leukocyte subset gene expression in pediatric sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Immunology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Pediatric septic shock significantly impacts immune system gene expression.
- Understanding leukocyte subset gene expression is crucial for accurate immune response assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare genomewide expression profiles from leukocyte subsets with whole blood in pediatric septic shock.
- To determine if whole blood RNA analysis is a reliable surrogate for leukocyte-specific RNA in this context.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study using microarray-based bioinformatics.
- RNA was analyzed individually from whole blood, neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes.
- Study included 5 healthy children and 13 children with septic shock (< or =10 years old).
Main Results:
- Whole blood RNA showed increased innate immunity and decreased adaptive immunity gene expression.
- Leukocyte-specific RNA analyses were congruent with whole blood findings for metabolic and signaling pathways.
- Gene network analysis revealed immune response pathways, including antigen presentation and regulation.
Conclusions:
- Whole blood RNA analysis accurately reflects leukocyte subset gene expression in pediatric septic shock.
- Genome-level repression of adaptive immunity gene programs is evident in pediatric septic shock, even when using leukocyte subset-specific RNA.
