Distinct Abnormalities in the Innate Immune System of Children with Down Syndrome.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency and phenotype of cells of the innate immune system in the peripheral blood of children with Down syndrome (DS). STUDY DESIGN: Flow cytometric analysis of expression of cell surface markers was performed in children with DS (n = 41) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 41). RESULTS: Compared with controls, children with DS had significantly lower absolute total leukocyte counts, lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes, but 1.5-times higher absolute numbers of CD14(dim)CD16(+) monocytes (147 x 10(6)/L vs 93 x 10(6)/L; P = .02). This difference is fully explained by a higher percentage of CD14(dim)CD16(+) monocytes within the monocyte compartment (28.7% vs 13.4%; P <.001). The absolute numbers of myeloid dendritic cells were lower in DS (13.8 x 10(6)/L vs 22.7 x 10(6)/L; P <.001). The numbers of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and natural killer cells were normal. Absolute numbers of invariant natural killer T cells were very low overall, but significantly lower in children with DS than in controls (1.2 x 10(6)/L vs 3.7 x 10(6)/L; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Children with DS exhibited distinct abnormalities in cells of the innate immune system. Most strikingly, they had a high number of proinflammatory CD14(dim)CD16(+) monocytes. This elevated level of CD14(dim)CD16(+) monocytes may play an important role in the onset and maintenance of chronic inflammatory disease in DS. Copyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
Authors: | Bloemers BL, van Bleek GM, Kimpen JL, Bont L. |
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Journal: | J Pediatr. 156(5):804-809 |
Year: | 2010 |
PubMed: | Find in PubMed |