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Human newborns are deficient in natural killer activity
Journal of Clinical Immunology
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Newborns have lower natural killer (NK) cell activity than adults, likely due to poor in vivo activation, not inhibitory cells. This impacts their susceptibility to viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal immunology
- Cellular immunology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for innate immunity against viral infections.
- Newborns exhibit increased susceptibility to certain viral infections, suggesting immune system immaturity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind diminished peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cell activity in newborns.
- To determine if inhibitory cells or a lack of pre-NK cells contribute to the reduced NK activity in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood samples from newborns and adults were analyzed for NK cell activity.
- In vitro experiments involved mixing newborn and adult cells to assess inhibitory effects.
- Interferon treatment was used to evaluate the responsiveness of newborn NK cells.
Main Results:
- Newborn peripheral blood NK activity was significantly lower compared to adults.
- Newborn cells showed minimal inhibition of adult NK activity in mixing experiments.
- In vitro interferon treatment markedly enhanced newborn NK cell activity, exceeding adult responses.
Conclusions:
- Diminished newborn NK activity is attributed to deficient in vivo activation of pre-NK cells, rather than the presence of inhibitory cells or a lack of precursors.
- This impaired NK cell activation in newborns may be a significant factor contributing to their heightened vulnerability to specific viral infections.