CD8(+) T Cells from Human Neonates Are Biased toward an Innate Immune Response

authors

  • Galindo-Albarran Ariel O.
  • Lopez-Portales Oscar H.
  • Gutierrez-Reyna Darely Y.
  • Rodriguez-Jorge Otoniel
  • Antonio Sanchez-Villanueva Jose
  • Ramirez-Pliego Oscar
  • Bergon Aurélie
  • Loriod Béatrice
  • Holota Hélène
  • Imbert Jean
  • Hernandez-Mendoza Armando
  • Ferrier Pierre
  • Carrillo-de Santa Pau Enrique
  • Valencia Alfonso
  • Spicuglia Salvatore
  • Angelica Santana M.

document type

ART

abstract

To better understand why human neonates show a poor response to intracellular pathogens, we compared gene expression and histone modification profiles of neonatal naive CD8(+) T cells with that of their adult counterparts. We found that neonatal lymphocytes have a distinct epigenomic landscape associated with a lower expression of genes involved in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and cytotoxicity and a higher expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and innate immunity. Functional studies corroborated that neonatal CD8(+) T cells are less cytotoxic, transcribe antimicrobial peptides, and produce reactive oxygen species. Altogether, our results show that neonatal CD8(+) T cells have a specific genetic program biased toward the innate immune response. These findings will contribute to better diagnosis and management of the neonatal immune response.

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