Research from University of Texas, Department of Pediatrics yields new findings on respiratory syncytial virus in children
December 23rd, 2008
2008 DEC 23 -- Researchers detail in 'Differential recruitment of dendritic cells and monocytes to respiratory mucosal sites in children with influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus infection,' new data in respiratory syncytial virus. "Influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are among the most common viruses causing infections of the lower respiratory tract in young children. Although there are important differences in the immunopathogenesis of these 2 viral pathogens, little is known about how they affect antigen-presenting cells in children with acute infections," scientists in the United States report.
"To characterize the immune cells that are mobilized to the respiratory tract by influenza virus and RSV, we analyzed nasal wash and blood samples obtained from children hospitalized with acute respiratory infections. Influenza virus and RSV mobilize immune cells, including myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), to the nasal mucosa. Patients with influenza virus infection had greater numbers of mDCs, pDCs, and monocytes in nasal wash samples than did patients with RSV infection. The frequencies of respiratory tract and blood T cell subsets were not affected by infection with influenza virus or RSV. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations in nasal wash samples were significantly increased in patients with influenza virus infection but not in those with RSV infection. RANTES (regulated on activation, normally T cell expressed and secreted) concentrations were increased only in the blood of patients with influenza virus infection. Infection with influenza virus or RSV mobilizes antigen-presenting cells to the respiratory tract," wrote M.A. Gill and colleagues, University of Texas, Department of Pediatrics.
The researchers concluded: "The differences in antigen-presenting cell numbers and cytokine concentrations suggest that there are distinctive, early immune responses to these 2 viruses."
Gill and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (Differential recruitment of dendritic cells and monocytes to respiratory mucosal sites in children with influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus infection. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008;198(11):1667-76).
For additional information, contact M.A. Gill, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dept. of Pediatrics, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390 USA..
The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Infectious Diseases is: University Chicago Press, 1427 E 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637-2954, USA.
