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Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Development and Functional Characterization of Murine Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 18, 2018
Dendritic cells change IL-27 production pattern during childhood
Claudius U Meyer1, Julia Birkholz2, Nadine Weins3
1Pediatric Immunology, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 63, 55131, Mainz, Germany. meyer@uni-mainz.de.
Insights
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) levels are high in newborns and adults, with a notable peak during early adolescence. This study explores IL-27 production by dendritic cells throughout childhood, revealing its dynamic role in immune development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is known for high expression in early life.
- Secretion of IL-27 by dendritic cells during childhood remains under-described.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of dendritic cells to produce IL-27 in children.
- To characterize IL-27 secretion patterns throughout childhood and adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Whole blood samples were collected from 55 children aged 1 day to 18 years.
- Dendritic cell production of IL-27 was measured after in vitro culture with or without inflammatory stimuli.
Main Results:
- IL-27 levels were high at birth, decreased in adults, and showed an interim peak in early adolescence.
- Dendritic cell capacity to produce IL-27 varies significantly across childhood.
Conclusions:
- IL-27 plays a critical role in early post-natal life.
- Emerging data suggest a connection between IL-27 and previously undescribed immunological events during puberty.
Background:
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been described to be highly expressed during the very first days after birth, but secretion of IL-27 by dendritic cells during the course of childhood has not been described.
Findings:
In our present study we enrolled children (n = 55) in the range from 1 day of to 18 years of age and asked for a small whole blood sample. The capacity of dendritic cells to produce IL-27 during childhood was measured after whole blood culture with or without inflammatory stimuli. Results support recent findings of high IL-27 levels after birth and lowest levels in adults. Interestingly, we detected an interim peak production level at early adolescence.
Conclusion:
These data hint to prominent roles of IL-27 at the very start of post-natal life. Furthermore, a link has been given to so far not described immunological events during puberty.
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