Delayed development of systemic immunity in preterm pigs as a model for preterm infants

• DOI: 10.1038/srep36816
• Publication Date: 2016-11-10T11:07:53Z
• Authors: Duc Ninh Nguyen; Pingping Jiang; Hanne Frøkiær; Peter M. H. Heegaard; Thomas Thymann; Per T. Sangild
• Keywords: NOD1

Abstract Preterm neonates are highly sensitive to systemic infections in early life but little is known about immune development following preterm birth. We hypothesized that have immature immunity with distinct developmental trajectory for the first several weeks of life, relative those born at near-term or term. Using pigs as a model, we characterized blood leukocyte subsets, antimicrobial activities and TLR-mediated cytokine production during after Relative term pigs, newborn had low counts, poor neutrophil phagocytic rate, limited responses TLR1/2/5/7/9 NOD1/2 agonists. The remained postnatal week, thereafter showed increased numbers, NK cell proportion, rate TLR2-mediated IL-6 TNF-α production. These parameters different between 2–3 weeks, even when adjusted post-conceptional age. Our data suggest follows birth may be influenced by age, complications prematurity environmental factors. Consequently, immediate period represent window opportunity improve innate medical, dietary interventions.