Effects of group B streptococci on cord and adult mononuclear cell interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma mRNA accumulation and protein secretion.
Group B streptococci (GBS) are a major cause of early-onset infection in neonates. Neonates, who have defects in neutrophil function that likely contribute to susceptibility to GBS infection, are deficient in the production of the phagocyte activator interferon (IFN)-gamma. GBS-stimulated mRNA accumulation and protein secretion of IFN-gamma and interleukin (IL)-12, a major enhancer of IFN-gamma production, by mixed mononuclear cells (MMCs) from umbilical cord and adult peripheral blood was examined. GBS-exposed cord blood MMCs secreted lower concentrations of both IL-12 and IFN-gamma proteins than did MMCs from adults. IL-12 and IFN-gamma mRNA accumulation was examined by use of comparative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Cord blood MMCs accumulated less mRNA for both IL-12 and IFN-gamma than did adult blood MMC. The deficiency in cord blood cell production of IL-12 may have a role in inadequate IFN-gamma production, which contributes to the unique susceptibility of neonates to GBS infections.
Joyner
J L
JL
Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
Augustine
N H
NH
Taylor
K A
KA
La Pine
T R
TR
Hill
H R
HR
D000328:Adult; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000382:microbiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018664:Interleukin-12; D007371:Interferon-gamma