Th1 differentiation and function are inhibited in neonates following human metapneumovirus infection.

ABSTRACT: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children accounting for 7% of acute care visits and hospitalizations. In particular, neonates and infants have worse outcomes with HMPV infection. The neonatal immune system is regulated to favor anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic responses compared to adults, including prior work demonstrating epigenetic factors in neonatal CD4+ T cells promoting Th2 formation rather than antiviral Th1 differentiation. To interrogate the neonatal immune response to HMPV, 4-to-6 day-old mice or adult 6-to-8 week-old mice were infected with HMPV. Neonates had a decreased Th1 population and increased Th2 and regulatory T-cell (Treg) populations compared to adults. Neonatal Th1 function, but not cell number, was restrained

SUBMITTER: Brown E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12311372 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature