ARS | Publication request: Neonatal and Adult AMphi Upregulate Cytokine Gene Transcription Via p38 MAPK Signaling in Response to RSV

Submitted to: Autumn Immunology Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2010
Publication Date: November 19, 2010
Citation: Schaut, R., Levy, N., Sacco, R.E. 2010. Neonatal and Adult AMphi Upregulate Cytokine Gene Transcription Via p38 MAPK Signaling in Response to RSV [abstract]. Autumn Immunology Conference. 39:26.

Technical Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchiolitis in premature and newborn infants. Alveolar macrophages (AMphi) are important innate cytokine-secreting cells in the lung, with critical roles in pathogen clearance and antigen presentation. As the neonatal AMphi response is not completely understood in RSV, we have compared neonatal and adult cells in an ovine model of RSV. Additionally, the contribution of MAPK signaling to cytokine expression was delineated via a p38 inhibitor. AMphi isolated from neonatal and adult sheep were pre-treated with p38 inhibitor or untreated, followed by RSV. Expression of cytokine mRNA levels was determined using real-time PCR. Results showed that RSV infection induced IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 gene expression in neonatal and adult AMphi. Significantly higher IL-1beta mRNA was detected in RSV-infected neonatal AMphi than in adult AMphis. Furthermore, RSV induction of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 mRNA in neonatal and adult AMphi, was p38 MAPK-dependent. Differential induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in neonatal AMphi compared to adult AMphi in response to RSV may partially explain the more severe clinical episodes seen in neonates.