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Vγ9Vδ2-T lymphocytes have impaired antiviral function in small-for-gestational-age and preterm neonates

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 10, pages 253–260 (2013)Cite this article

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.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30973235 and 81170606), the Science and Technology project of the Sichuan Science and Technology Department (2010SZ0110), the General Research Fund from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (HKU 781211M) and the Area of Excellence Scheme of the University Grants Committee, Hong Kong SAR, China (AoE/M-12/06).

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Author notes

  1. Jinrong Li, Hong Li and Huawei Mao: These authors contributed equally to this work.

  2. Dr WW Tu, Department of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. E-mail: wwtu@hkucc.hku.hk

  3. Or Dr M Mao, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: dffmmao@126.com

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 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

    Jinrong Li, Hong Li, Meixing Yu, Ting Feng, Yingying Fan, Qiao Lu, Chongyang Shen, Zhongwei Yin & Wenwei Tu

  2. Department of Pediatric, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    Jinrong Li, Fan Yang & Meng Mao

  3. Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    Hong Li & Meng Mao

  4. Department of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Huawei Mao & Wenwei Tu

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Li, J., Li, H., Mao, H. et al. Vγ9Vδ2-T lymphocytes have impaired antiviral function in small-for-gestational-age and preterm neonates. Cell Mol Immunol 10, 253–260 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2012.78

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