Developmentally determined reduction in CD31 during gestation is associated with CD8+ T cell effector differentiation in preterm infants.

ABSTRACT: Homeostatic T cell proliferation is more robust during human fetal development. In order to understand the relative effect of normal fetal homeostasis and perinatal exposures on CD8+ T cell behavior in PT infants, we characterized umbilical cord blood CD8+ T cells from infants born between 23-42weeks gestation. Subjects were recruited as part of the NHLBI-sponsored Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program. Cord blood from PT infants had fewer naïve CD8+ T cells and lower regulatory CD31 expression on both naïve and effector, independent of prenatal exposures. CD8+ T cell in vitro effector function was greater at younger gestational ages, an effect that was exaggerated in infants with prior inflammatory exposures. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells earlier in gestation have loss of

SUBMITTER: Scheible KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4658282 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature