Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Age-Specific Cytokine Profiling in Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections in Post-COVID-19 Era: A
Ying Sun1, Lin Tong1, Ming Lin1
1Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
Background:
In the wake of COVID-19, a resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) has emerged globally since mid-2023. However, the clinical manifestations and immune responses following infection vary across different age groups of pediatric patients (infants, preschoolers and school-aged children), increasing the complexity of diagnosis and treatment.
Methods:
This study retrospectively analyzed serum cytokine levels in 40 healthy children and 87 MPP patients, with additional cytokine profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in severe cases, combining KEGG pathway analysis to investigate age-related immune patterns. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were further detected in these MPP patients, followed by Spearman correlation analysis to assess their correlation with cytokines in MPP children.
Results:
Age-specific cytokine patterns emerged in MPP children. In 0-2 years, cytokines enriched in IL-17, TLR, and TNF pathways were upregulated in MPP groups compared to controls, while in 6-12 years, cytokines enriched in TLR, RLR, and JAK-STAT pathways were downregulated in MPP groups. Serum patterns in 3-5 years resembled those in 0-2 years, but BALF aligned with 6-12 years. SARS-CoV-2 IgG positively correlated with TWEAK, IL-22, IL-16, IL-12p40, CCL7, and CD152 in 0-2 years (P < 0.05), but negatively with CCL13 in 6-12 years (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Overall, the immune pattern in children with MPP is age-specific and severity-dependent. Higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG are associated with a more robust and mature anti-infective immune response in younger MPP patients, while in older children, besides providing immune memory against pathogens, SARS-CoV-2 IgG also appears to plant a landmine of immune exhaustion.
Insights
Pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) shows age-specific immune responses, with SARS-CoV-2 IgG indicating distinct immune profiles in younger versus older children. Understanding these patterns is crucial for diagnosing and treating MPP in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- A global resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) has been observed since mid-2023, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Clinical presentations and immune responses to MPP in pediatric patients exhibit significant age-related variations, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding these age-specific immune dynamics is critical for effective management of pediatric MPP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-specific immune patterns in pediatric patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).
- To analyze the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and cytokine profiles in children with MPP.
- To elucidate the impact of age and severity on immune responses during MPP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of serum cytokine levels in healthy children and MPP patients.
- Cytokine profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in severe MPP cases.
- KEGG pathway analysis for age-related immune patterns and Spearman correlation for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and cytokines.
Main Results:
- Distinct age-specific cytokine patterns were identified in pediatric MPP patients.
- In younger children (0-2 years), IL-17, TLR, and TNF pathways were upregulated, while in older children (6-12 years), TLR, RLR, and JAK-STAT pathways were downregulated.
- SARS-CoV-2 IgG showed differential correlations with specific cytokines across age groups, suggesting varied immune responses.
Conclusions:
- The immune response in pediatric MPP is age-specific and influenced by disease severity.
- In younger children, higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels correlate with a stronger anti-infective response.
- In older children, SARS-CoV-2 IgG may be associated with immune exhaustion, highlighting complex age-dependent immune interactions.
More Related Videos
08:44Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
09:01An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: