Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:29
Mapping Infant Immunity with Minimal Input: Integrative Single-Cell and Multiomic Profiling
Published on: April 3, 2026
Development of lymphocyte subpopulations in preterm infants
J C Walker1, M A J C Smolders, E F A Gemen
1Department of Paediatrics, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|December 7, 2010
Summary
Preterm infants show similar lymphocyte development to full-term infants, generating naive T and B lymphocytes post-birth. However, lower post-menstrual age correlates with reduced naive helper T lymphocyte counts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The immune system of preterm neonates is considered underdeveloped at birth.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding lymphocyte subpopulation size and maturation in preterm infants during early infancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the postnatal development of lymphocyte subpopulations in preterm infants.
- To compare immune system maturation in preterm versus term neonates during the first three months of life.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study involving 38 preterm neonates.
- Blood samples collected at birth (cord blood), 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months.
- Lymphocyte subpopulations analyzed using four-colour flow cytometry and compared to term neonates, children, and adults.
Main Results:
- Preterm and term infants exhibited similar patterns in lymphocyte subpopulation development.
- Both B lymphocytes and helper/cytotoxic T lymphocytes were predominantly naive cells at birth and throughout the 3-month follow-up.
- Lower post-menstrual age was associated with lower absolute counts of naive helper T lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- The preterm immune system can generate naive T and B lymphocytes post-natally at a similar rate as term infants.
- Despite similar developmental patterns, absolute counts of naive helper T lymphocytes are lower in preterm infants with lower post-menstrual ages.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...