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[Nonspecific killer cells in premature and mature neonates and infants]

O Metz, H Thränhardt, G Zwacka

    Folia Haematologica (Leipzig, Germany : 1928)
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Killer (K) and natural killer (NK) cell activity in infants shows K cell activity is developed during pregnancy. NK cell activity matures later, significantly increasing in infants aged 6-12 months.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Pediatrics
    • Cell Biology

    Context:

    • Investigated peripheral blood immune cells in 76 infants.
    • Included preterm small for date, preterm, fullterm small for date, fullterm babies, and infants up to 12 months.
    • Utilized the 51Cr release assay for K and NK cell activity analysis.

    Purpose:

    • To analyze K and NK cell activity in various infant groups.
    • To compare infant immune cell activity with the K562 cell line and murine cells.
    • To determine developmental trajectories of K and NK cell functions in early life.

    Summary:

    • K cell activity was lower in preterm small for date babies compared to older infants.
    • NK cell capacity did not significantly differ between preterm/term newborns and infants up to 6 months.
    • Infants aged 6-12 months exhibited significantly higher NK cell activity.

    Impact:

    • Suggests K cell immunity is established during gestation.
    • Indicates NK cell-mediated immunity develops postnatally, maturing between 6-12 months.
    • Provides insights into infant immune system development and maturation.

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