Abstract
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) stimulate adult B cells leading to cellular proliferation and immunoglobulin production. It is unknown if CpG-ODNs similarly stimulate neonatal human B cells. Neonates have immature immune responses and are poorly responsive to thymus independent antigens such as polysaccharides. We determined umbilical cord cells' response to CpG-ODNs. Adult and umbilical cord B cells produced similar amounts of IgM (adult 1371 ± 352 vs. cord 1873 ± 1084 ng/ml) in response to CpG-ODN stimulation. Although CpG-ODN was able to stimulate adult IgG and IgA production, cord cells produced less IgG (153 ± 58 vs. 10 ± 2.5 ng/ml) and no detectable IgA upon CpG-ODN stimulation. CpG ODN stimulated IgM production from adult CD27-negative B cells which may account for their ability to stimulate the mostly naïve cord B cells. The polyclonal IgM response included pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen-specific antibodies. CpG-ODNs may be useful as neonatal vaccine adjuvants for polysaccharide antigens that are otherwise non-immunogenic.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 236-245 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 116 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was supported by a Children's Miracle Network Grant to Cheri Landers and NIH grants AG05731 and AI21490 to Subbarao Bondada.
Keywords
- B cell
- CpG ODN
- Immunoglobulins
- Neonate
- Pneumococcus
- Polysaccharides
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology