title: Dynamics of the NK-cell subset redistribution induced by cytomegalovirus infection in preterm infants.
abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection promotes an expansion of NK-cells expressing the CD94/NKG2C receptor. We prospectively monitored the effects of HCMV on the NK-cell receptor (NKG2C, NKG2A, KIR, LILRB1) distribution in preterm infants. As compared to non-infected moderately preterm newborns (n=19, gestational age: 32-37 weeks), very preterm infants (n=5, gestational age: <32 weeks) suffering symptomatic postnatal HCMV infection displayed increased numbers of NKG2C+, KIR+ NK-cells, encompassed by a reduction of NKG2A+ NK-cells. A similar profile was observed in HCMV-negative newborns (n=4) with asymptomatic infection, during follow-up at ~4 and 10 months of age. Of note, viremia remained detectable in three symptomatic cases at ~10 months despite the persistent expansion of NKG2C+ NK-cells. Our study provides original insights on the dynamics of the imprint exerted by primary HCMV infection on the NK-cell compartment, revealing that the expansion of NKG2C+ NK-cells may be insufficient to control viral replication in very preterm infants.
authors: Immunology Unit, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: dnoyola@uaslp.mx.
authors: Daniel E
authors: DE
authors: Noyola
authors: Department of Neonatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: Ana.AlarconAllen@ouh.nhs.uk.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Alarcón
authors: Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Pediatrics Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Antoni
authors: A
authors: Noguera-Julian
authors: Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Aura
authors: A
authors: Muntasell
authors: Department of Molecular Microbiology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Spain.
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Muñoz-Almagro
authors: Neonatal Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital del Mar, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 25-29, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Jordi
authors: J
authors: García
authors: Neonatal Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital del Mar, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 25-29, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Mur
authors: Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Pediatrics Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Fortuny
authors: Immunology Unit, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: lbotet@imim.es.
authors: Miguel
authors: M
authors: López-Botet
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000502:physiology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D013030:Spain; D014766:Viremia
chemical_list: D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
keywords: Cytomegalovirus; Infant; Infection; NK-cells; Preterm