Association between environmental exposure and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
P Fuss1, K Bal1, J Jerzyńska1
1Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine in children, Copernicus Hospital, al. Pilsudskiego 71, 90-329, Lodz, Poland.
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|July 8, 2018
Summary
Farm environments may protect against asthma, but this study found no significant difference in T-regulatory cell markers (CD4+/CD25+ and CD4+/CD25+Foxp3+) between children with asthma living in farm versus rural areas. This suggests living environment alone doesn't impact these specific immune cells in HDM-allergic children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
Background:
- Farm environments are hypothesized to offer protection against allergies and asthma in children due to increased endotoxin exposure.
- Understanding the immunological mechanisms behind this potential protective effect is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the expression of CD4+/CD25+ T-regulatory cells and the transcription factor Foxp3 in children with asthma and house dust mite allergy.
- To determine if there are differences in these immune markers between children residing in farm areas versus rural areas.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 35 children (aged 8-16) diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (allergic to house dust mites) and newly diagnosed asthma.
- Participants were categorized into two groups: those living in farm areas (n=19) and those in rural areas (n=16).
- Flow cytometry was used to measure the surface expression of CD4+/CD25+ T-regulatory cells and Foxp3 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the expression levels of CD4+/CD25+ T-regulatory cells and CD4+/CD25+Foxp3+ cells.
- These differences were not found either within the groups or when comparing the farm area group to the rural area group.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that the expression of CD4+/CD25+ and CD4+/CD25+Foxp3+ cells is not associated with the place of residence (farm vs. rural) in children with asthma sensitive to house dust mites.
- These findings suggest that other factors may play a more significant role in the immune response of asthmatic children related to their living environment.
Related Concept Videos
02:02Cis-regulatory Sequences
11.9K
Cis-regulatory sequences are short fragments of non-coding DNA that are present on the same chromosomes as the genes that they regulate. These fragments serve as binding sites for transcriptional regulators, proteins that are responsible for controlling gene transcription and differential gene expression across cell types in eukaryotes. Cis-regulatory sequences can be close to the gene of interest or thousands of bases away in the DNA sequence; however, those sequences that are further away are...
11.9K
02:02Cis-regulatory Sequences
4.2K
4.2K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.5K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
9.5K
01:27Associative Learning
1.3K
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...
1.3K
01:28Global Regulatory Systems
694
Global regulatory systems in bacteria enable rapid and coordinated responses to environmental changes by integrating sensory inputs with gene expression, ensuring efficient adaptation to fluctuating conditions. Key global regulatory mechanisms include regulons, two-component systems, sigma factors, and secondary messengers.Regulons and Global RegulatorsA regulon is a collection of genes and operons controlled by a common global regulator. These regulators enable bacteria to prioritize resource...
694
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
1.1K
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
1.1K