title: Vγ9Vδ2-T lymphocytes have impaired antiviral function in small-for-gestational-age and preterm neonates.
abstract: Preterm and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates are vulnerable groups that are susceptible to various microbial infections. Vγ9Vδ2-T cells are critical components of the host immune system and have been demonstrated to play an important role in the defense against viral infection in adults. However, the characteristics of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in children, especially the preterm and SGA populations, are poorly understood. Here, we examined the frequency and antiviral function of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in neonates, including preterm, SGA and full-term babies. When compared to adults, neonates had a significantly lower percentage of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in the blood. Upon influenza virus stimulation, neonatal Vγ9Vδ2-T cells, especially from preterm and SGA babies, showed markedly decreased and delayed antiviral cytokine responses than those of adults. In addition, the antiviral responses of neonatal Vγ9Vδ2-T cells were positively correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Finally, a weaker expansion of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells by isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) was shown in neonates than the expansion in adults. Our data suggest that the depressed antiviral activity and decreased frequency of Vγ9Vδ2-T cells may likely account for the high susceptibility to microbial infection in neonates, particularly in preterm and SGA babies. Improving Vγ9Vδ2-T-cell function of neonates may provide a new way to defend against virus infection.
authors.affiliation: The Joint Research Center of West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China.
authors.forename: Jinrong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Huawei
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: Meixing
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Ting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.forename: Fan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yingying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Qiao
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Chongyang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Zhongwei
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.forename: Wenwei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tu
authors.forename: Meng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000276:immunology*; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D045782:Hemiterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000276:immunology; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D054353:Perforin / Q000378:metabolism; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D045782:Hemiterpenes; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; C521523:T-cell receptor Vdelta2, human; C521522:T-cell receptor Vgamma9, human; D054353:Perforin; C004809:isopentenyl pyrophosphate