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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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Cytokine responses to two common respiratory pathogens in children are dependent on interleukin-1β

Alice C-H Chen1,2, Yang Xi1,2, Melanie Carroll1

  • 1Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

ERJ Open Research
|December 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) significantly influences immune responses in children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis. Blocking IL-1β may reduce airway inflammation but could compromise immunity against common respiratory pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis share neutrophilic airway inflammation and an interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) signature.
  • The role of the IL-1β pathway in host defense against respiratory pathogens in children is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare systemic immune responses to common pathogens in children with PBB, bronchiectasis, and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the importance of the IL-1β pathway in these immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from children with PBB, bronchiectasis, and controls were stimulated with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi).
  • The effect of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) on cytokine production was assessed in NTHi- and rhinovirus-stimulated PBMCs.
  • Cellular responses were analyzed across various immune cell types, including T cells and NK cells.

Main Results:

  • NTHi stimulation induced high levels of IL-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-10 in PBMCs from all groups.
  • Blocking IL-1β with IL-1Ra inhibited cytokine synthesis in response to NTHi and rhinovirus.
  • IL-1Ra significantly reduced IFN-γ production by T cells and NK cells.

Conclusions:

  • IL-1β plays a crucial role in regulating cellular immune responses to NTHi and rhinovirus in children.
  • While targeting the IL-1β pathway may reduce airway inflammation, it could potentially impair protective immunity against these pathogens.

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