title: Preterm neonates display altered plasmacytoid dendritic cell function and morphology.
abstract: Bacterial and viral infections cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in premature newborns. In the setting of viral infection, pDCs play a key role as strong producers of IFN-α upon TLR9 activation. We analyzed pDC frequency, phenotype, morphology, and function in CB of preterm and term newborns in comparison with adults. Whereas all age groups show similar pDC numbers, BDCA-2, CD123, and TLR9 levels, the expression of BDCA-4 and capacity to produce IFN-α upon TLR9 challenge were decreased significantly in preterm neonates. Furthermore, we show by means of electron microscopy that pDCs from preterm newborns exhibit a distinct, "immature" morphology. Taken together, these findings suggest decreased functionality of pDCs in the premature newborn. The reduced capacity to produce IFN-α is likely to render such infants more susceptible to viral infections.
authors: Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors: S S
authors: SS
authors: Schüller
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Sadeghi
authors: Lukas
authors: L
authors: Wisgrill
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Dangl
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Diesner
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Prusa
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Klebermasz-Schrehof
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Greber-Platzer
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Neumüller
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Helmer
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Husslein
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Pollak
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Spittler
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Förster-Waldl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002452:Cell Count; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000276:immunology*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis; D053650:Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000032:analysis; D018180:Thrombomodulin; D051217:Toll-Like Receptor 9 / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; C115022:IL3RA protein, human; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D053650:Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit; C546931:THBD protein, human; C495371:TLR9 protein, human; D018180:Thrombomodulin; D051217:Toll-Like Receptor 9; C478196:blood dendritic cell antigen 4, human