Cellular gene expression induced by parasite antigens and allergens in neonates from parasite-infected mothers. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soboslay, Peter T.; Orlikowsky, Thorsten; Huang, Xiangsheng; Gille, Christian; Spring, Bärbel; Kocherscheidt, Lars; Agossou, Abram; Banla, Meba; Bonin, Michael; Köhler, Carsten
• Is Part Of: Molecular immunology. Volume 73(2016:May)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Prenatal immune sensitization -- Umbilical cord blood cells -- Gene expression -- Neonates -- Helminth and amoeba antigens -- Mite allergens; Immunochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Immunochemistry -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Immunochimie -- Périodiques; Biologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Immunochemistry; Molecular biology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 571.96
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.03.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-5890

Abstract

Highlights: Prenatal parasite contact will sensitize in utero without generating aberrant inflammatory responses. Gene expression of MHC class I and class II alleles differed in parasite exposed (Para-POS) and non-exposed (Para-NEG) newborns. Allergens and helminth parasite antigens depressed STAT4 gene expression in Para-POS newborns. Genes grouped within the cluster for Treg (IL-10, TGF-b, and FOXP3) were depressed in Para-NEG newborns. Gene networks for cellular growth, proliferation and immune responses had significantly higher expression values for Para-NEG than Para-POS. Abstract: Prenatal exposure to parasite antigens or allergens will influence the profile and strength of postnatal immune responses, such contact may tolerize and increase susceptibility to future infections or sensitize to environmental allergens. Exposure in utero to parasite antigens will distinctly alter cellular gene expression in newborns. Gene microarrays were applied to study gene expression in umbilical cord blood cell (UCBC) from parasite-exposed (Para-POS) and non-exposed (Para-NEG) neonates. UCBC were activated with antigens of helminth ( Onchocerca volvulus), amoeba ( Entamoeba histolytica) or allergens of mite ( Dermatophagoides farinae) . When UCBC from Para-POS and Para-NEG newborns were exposed to helminth antigens or allergens consistent differences occurred in the expression of genes encoding for MHC class I and II alleles, signal transducers of activation and transcription (STATs), cytokines, chemokines, immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, and molecules associated with immune regulation (SOCS, TLR, TGF), inflammation (TNF, CCR) and apoptosis (CASP). Expression of genes associated with innate immune responses were enhanced in Para-NEG, while in Para-POS, the expression of MHC class II and STAT genes was reduced. Within functional gene networks for cellular growth, proliferation and immune responses, Para-NEG neonates presented with significantly higher expression values than Para-POS. In Para-NEG newborns, the gene cluster and pathway analyses suggested that gene expression profiles may predispose for the development of immunological, hematological and dermatological disorders upon postnatal helminth parasite infection or allergen exposure. Thus, prenatal parasite contact will sensitize without generating aberrant inflammatory immune responses, and increased pro-inflammatory but decreased regulatory gene expression profiles will be present in those neonates lacking prenatal parasite antigen encounter.