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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
RSV respiratory infection in children under 5 y.o.--dynamics of the immune response Th1/Th2 and IgE
Włodzimierz Gut1, Katarzyna Pancer, Edyta Abramczuk
1Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health, National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland. wgut@pzh.gov.pl
Insights
The Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance and elevated IgE levels in young children can predict Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection severity and potential long-term effects. Monitoring these markers aids in understanding and managing RSV disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Immunology
- Respiratory Viral Infections
- Cytokine Signaling
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection poses a significant health risk to young children, with potential for severe outcomes and sequelae.
- Imbalances in T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine profiles, along with elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, are implicated in disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunological response in young children with RSV infections by analyzing the dynamics of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and IgE.
- To investigate the potential of these immunological markers as predictors of RSV infection severity and long-term consequences.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 36 children hospitalized with RSV infection and 16 with other respiratory infections.
- Levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10), and IgE were assayed.
- Paired sera from 48 patients were analyzed over a 4-14 day interval, with a reference group of 18 healthy infants.
Main Results:
- Children with respiratory infections exhibited a Th1/Th2 ratio skewed towards Th2 and increased IgE compared to controls.
- RSV infection, particularly bronchitis and bronchiolitis, was associated with changes in IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels.
- Risk factors like prematurity and artificial nutrition correlated with RSV severity and altered cytokine/IgE levels; IL-6 and IL-10 were higher in premature infants, and IgE was higher in artificially nourished children.
Conclusions:
- The dynamic changes in cytokine and IgE levels over time may serve as prognostic indicators for RSV disease and its sequelae.
- Preventive measures against RSV, especially in premature infants, are crucial, with breastfeeding identified as a key preventive strategy.
Introduction:
The imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokine concentrations and increased level of IgE might be useful tool for prediction of severity of RSV infection among young children and possibility of sequels. The ratio of cytokines Th1/Th2 varied during the disease. THE AIM of our studies was the assessment of immunological response by dynamics of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and IgE in RSV infections.
Material And Methods:
Study was done on sera collected from 36 young children hospitalized because of RSV infection and from 16 children with other respiratory tract infection (HMPV, EV, HPIV1-3). Assaying of the serum levels of cytokine Th1 (IL-2, IFN-g, TNF), Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) and concentration of IgE has been done. Paired sera (48 patients) were collected in the interval 4-14 days. Reference group consist of 18 children (< 6 months of life) hospitalised because other than respiratory diseases with negative results for viruses tested by PCR.
Results:
Among children with respiratory infection the Th1/Th2 ratio was shifted towards Th2, level of IgE increased in comparison to the reference group. Changes in concentration of IL-6, IFN-g, IL-10 were related to RSV infection, mainly bronchitis and bronchiolitis, while the dynamic of TNF concentration was independent on aetiological agent. It was found that the risk factors (prematurity, artificial nutrition) correlated with RSV bronchitis and the levels of cytokines and IgE. Increased level of IL-6 and IL-10 were shown in prematures, and increased concentration of IgE--among artificial nourished children. The time of serum collection affected the level of cytokines and IgE and the effect was depended on the aetiological agent. In RSV infections was observed significant decrease with time of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-gamma but not IgE (still significantly higher than in the reference group). While the significant decrease of IgE was determined only in other than RSV infections.
Conclusions:
Determined level of cytokines and IgE varied depending on the time of serum collection. Observed dynamics in paired sera and IgE might have prognostic value in disease and sequels of RSV infections. Prevention RSV infection in premature infants should be done in any possible way. Breastfeeding is one of the critical elements of prevention of RSV infection.
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