| Description |
Group B streptococci (GBS) are a major cause of early-onset infection in neonates and other immunocompromised hosts. Neonates have a deficiency in the production of the phagocyte activator and Th1 type cytokine, interferon gamma (IFNy). Interleukin 12 (IL-12), which is also a Th1 type cytokine, enhances IFNIy production. In this study we examined the transcription and translation of IL-12 and IFNIy by mixed mononuclear cells (MMC) from umbilical cord and adult peripheral blood samples in response to GBS. The translation of IL-12 and IFNIy proteins by MMCs from GBS stimulated cord and adult blood was determined by quantitative enzyme-linked-immunosorbentassay. Both IL-12 and IFNIy proteins were produced in lower concentrations by GBS exposed cord blood MMCs compared to MMCs from adults. Utilizing comparative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, we examined IL12 and IFNIy mRNA production using constitutively expressed glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase as the internal control. Cord blood MMCs transcribed less mRNA for both of these cytokines than did cells from adults. These data indicate that cord blood cells are deficient in the ability to transcribe and translate mRNA for these two essential cytokines, which likely contributes to the unique susceptibility of neonates to group B streptococcal infections. |
