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Plasmacytoid dendritic cell interferon-α production to R-848 stimulation is decreased in male infants

Jennifer P Wang1, Lei Zhang, Rachel F Madera

  • 1Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. Jennifer.wang@umassmed.edu

BMC Immunology
|July 10, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Male infants show lower plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) interferon-α responses than females due to early androgen surges. This androgen-mediated regulation impacts innate immune responses to infections in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatal Research

Background:

  • Sex differences in infection responses are linked to Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated pathways.
  • Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in these TLR-mediated responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex differences in human infant pDC responses to TLR7/8 stimulation.
  • To explore the role of androgens in modulating these immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • Human infant pDCs were challenged with the TLR7/8 agonist R-848.
  • Interferon-α production was measured.
  • pDCs were pretreated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to assess androgen effects.

Main Results:

  • Male infant pDCs exhibited significantly lower interferon-α production compared to female pDCs.
  • Dihydrotestosterone pretreatment of human pDCs reduced interferon-α production after R-848 challenge.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for the early androgen surge in males.

Conclusions:

  • Androgens may regulate pDC TLR7-driven innate immunity.
  • This androgen-mediated regulation could explain sex differences in infant responses to infections.

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