Reduced IL-10 production and -receptor expression in neonatal T lymphocytes.
OBJECTIVE
To further evaluate the underlying mechanism of a formerly demonstrated immature anti-inflammatory response in neonates (1).


METHODS
Interleukin (IL)-10 production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) after anti-CD3/anti-CD28 costimulation of neonatal and adult T cells. IL-10 receptor expression on T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and monocytes were analysed by flow cytometry in neonates and adult controls.


RESULTS
After anti-CD3/anti-CD28 costimulation, IL-10 production of neonatal T lymphocytes was profoundly reduced (median 247 pg/mL vs. 1062 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). IL-10 receptor expression was diminished on neonatal T lymphocytes compared to adults (3% vs. 39.5% IL-10 receptor positive lymphocytes; p < 0.0001). On neonatal B lymphocytes and monocytes the IL-10 receptor expression was comparable to adult controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The strongly reduced IL-10 receptor expression on the main immune regulative T lymphocytes in conjunction with a significantly impaired synthesis of IL-10 may play a crucial role in the formerly demonstrated deficient anti-inflammatory immune response in neonates.
Schultz
C
C
Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Lübeck, Germany. schultz@paedia.ukl.mu-luebeck.de
Strunk
T
T
Temming
P
P
Matzke
N
N
Härtel
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D053701:Receptors, Interleukin-10 / Q000378:metabolism*; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D053701:Receptors, Interleukin-10; D016753:Interleukin-10