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A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
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Defective Leukocyte β2 Integrin Expression and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Neonates
Irma Capolupo1, Domenico Umberto De Rose1, Roberto Pascone2
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Neonates exhibit impaired innate immunity due to lower beta-2 integrin expression on phagocytes. This, along with reduced superoxide radical production, contributes to their susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonates are vulnerable to bacterial infections, a leading cause of mortality.
- Beta-2 integrins are crucial for innate immunity, mediating leukocyte adhesion, transmigration, and phagocytosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if reduced beta-2 integrin expression contributes to impaired neonatal immune function.
- To compare beta-2 integrin expression and superoxide radical production in neonates versus adults.
Main Methods:
- Measured expression of LFA-1, MAC-1, and CD11c/CD18 beta-2 integrins in cord blood and on day 3 in neonates, compared to adults.
- Assessed superoxide radical production in response to Zymosan stimulation in neonates and adults.
Main Results:
- Beta-2 integrin expression on polymorphonuclear cells was lower in neonates than adults, increasing from birth to day 3.
- Superoxide radical production was significantly lower in neonates at birth and decreased further by day 3.
Conclusions:
- Impaired neonatal innate immunity may stem from lower beta-2 integrin expression on phagocytes.
- Functional impairment in free radical production also contributes to neonatal immune deficiency.
