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TLR-mediated inflammatory response to neonatal pathogens and co-infection in neonatal immune cells

V Sugitharini1, K Pavani1, A Prema2

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio-engineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, India.

Cytokine
|July 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal immune cells show altered inflammatory responses to common pathogens. Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression and cytokine production differ in cord blood cells compared to adult cells, impacting defense against infections like E. coli.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Immunity
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Neonates rely on innate immunity for pathogen defense.
  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial for initiating inflammatory responses.
  • Common neonatal pathogens include E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, with co-infections frequent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediated inflammatory response in neonates.
  • To compare the response of neonatal immune cells to common pathogens with adult immune cells.

Main Methods:

  • Mononuclear cells from cord blood (CBMCs) and peripheral blood (PBMCs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus.
  • Surface expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on monocyte subpopulations (CD14(+)CD16(+) and CD14(dim)CD16(+)) was analyzed.
  • Cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23, IL-10, IL-13, MCP-1, IL-8) were measured using ELISA and a Human Inflammation Antibody array.

Main Results:

  • TLR2 and TLR4 expression varied between monocyte subpopulations in neonatal cells.
  • Neonatal cells produced similar levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-13 compared to adult cells.
  • Neonatal cells showed lower levels of IL-23 and MCP-1, but higher levels of IL-8, compared to adult cells.
  • Co-infection with LPS and PGN impaired multiple cytokine productions in cord blood cells.

Conclusions:

  • The TLR-mediated inflammatory response to neonatal pathogens is differentially regulated.
  • Neonatal immune responses exhibit distinct patterns in cytokine and chemokine production compared to adults.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for managing neonatal sepsis and infections.

Keywords:
Co-infectionCytokinesLPSPGNTLR

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