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The role of B cells and accessory cells in the neonatal response to TI-2 antigens

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Abstract

The neonate has an increased susceptibility to infection, in part owing to an inability to produce antibody to thymus-independent antigens such as bacterial polysaccharides (PS). This poor response to PS antigens is likely owing to multiple factors. Neonatal B cells are of an immature phenotype, as evidenced by cell-surface marker characteristics and increased susceptibility to tolerance induction. The spleen of the neonate has a different cellular composition, which is most prominent in the marginal zone. Neonatal accessory cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) appear to produce less stimulatory cytokines and an overabundance of inhibitory cytokines. This review examines the current data supporting the role of B cells and accessory cells in the neonatal unresponsiveness to PS antigens.

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  1. Cheri D. Landers

    Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St. Room MN 478, 40536, Lexington, KY

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular genetics, Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St. Room MN 478, 40536, Lexington, KY

    R. Lakshman Chelvarajan & Subbarao Bondada

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  2. R. Lakshman Chelvarajan
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Landers, C.D., Chelvarajan, R.L. & Bondada, S. The role of B cells and accessory cells in the neonatal response to TI-2 antigens. Immunol Res 31, 25–36 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/IR:31:1:25

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