Suppressed immune systems make infants fall sick too often
Blocking of key cell signals could prevent infants from falling sick too often, researchers claim.
August 11, 2012 / 18:03 IST
Blocking of key cell signals could prevent infants from falling sick too often, researchers claim.
University of Michigan Health System researchers have found that by blocking the transforming growth factor-Beta (TGF-B) cells, which prevents the growth of essential immune cells, can make infants less prone to viral infections."What happens at early age is that natural killer cells, like many other immune cells, do not complete their functional maturation until adulthood," senior author Yasmina Laouar said."During this time we are left with an immature immune system that cannot protect us against infections, the reason why newborns and infants are more prone to infection," she added.There is a large gap in understanding infant immunity, specifically why the natural killer cell responses are deficient."Our overall goal was to determine the factors that constraint the production and maturation of natural killer cells early in life," says Laouar.The study showed the production of natural killer cells is controlled by TGF-Beta, which is produced in the bone marrow.In infant mice, the maturation of natural killer cells progressed faster in the absence of TGF-Beta signalling. By adulthood, mice had 10 times more mature natural killer cells if TGF-Beta signalling was blocked."Our overall goal was to determine the factors that constraint the production and maturation of natural killer cells early in life," says Laouar, adding "To our surprise, we discovered that natural killer cells can complete maturation as early as 10 days of age if TGF-Beta signalling is blocked."Authors say it's tempting to propose the functional inactivation TGF-Beta signalling as a strategy to reverse the deficit of natural killer cells early in life. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
