title: Enhanced expression of IL-27 mRNA in human newborns.
abstract: Interleukin (IL)-27, a heterodimer composed of Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p28, is an early product of activated dendritic cells (DC). Binding of IL-27 to the WSX-1 receptor initiates Th1 (Thelper 1) responses in naïve T cells. In order to assess the Th1 responses in human neonates with high susceptibility to infectious diseases, expression of EBI3-, p28- and WSX-1-mRNA in response to Toll-like receptor ligands was compared in neonate and adult monocyte-derived (m)DC. Only the combined addition of ligands induced expression of IL-27p28 mRNA. Surprisingly, neonatal mDC produced significantly more IL-27p28 mRNA than that obtained from adults. Furthermore, there was enhanced expression of EBI3 mRNA in cord blood as compared with adult blood. In addition, the secretion of WSX-1 mRNA in neonatal mDC and T cells was also significantly increased. Taken together, these findings indicate that the restricted Th1 responses in human newborns owing to deficient IL-12 production may be compensated for, in part, by enhanced IL-27 secretion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Immunology, Children's Hospital, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany. doreen.krumbiegel@gmail.com
authors.forename: Doreen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Krumbiegel
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Anthogalidis-Voss
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Markus
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zepp
authors.forename: Claudius U
authors.initials: CU
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007378:Interleukins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C097732:EBI3 protein, human; C112441:IL27RA protein, human; D020381:Interleukin-17; D007378:Interleukins; C464565:MYDGF protein, human; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin