Preterm cord blood CD4+ T cells exhibit increased IL-6 production in chorioamnionitis and decreased CD4+ T cells in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BackgroundChorioamnionitis (CA) is associated with premature delivery and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We hypothesize that preterm infants exposed to CA have reduced suppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) and increased non-regulatory T cell pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing risk for BPD.ObjectiveTo evaluate cord blood CD4⁺ T cell regulatory phenotype and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in CA and BPD groups.Study designCord blood mononuclear cells from infants (GA ⩽32 weeks), with or without placental histological evidence of CA (hChorio), were analyzed by flow cytometry. Clinical information was collected by retrospective chart review. Numbers of putative Treg (CD4⁺FoxP3⁺CD25⁺CD127Dim), CD4⁺ non-Tregs, and CD4⁺ T cell intracellular cytokine content following in vitro stimulation were compared with CA status and oxygen requirement at 36 weeks postmenstrual age.ResultAbsolute Treg numbers were not different in CA and non-CA exposed samples. However, the infants who developed BPD had a significant decrease in Treg and non-regulatory T cell numbers. Greater IL-6 production was observed in hCA group.ConclusionA pro-inflammatory CD4⁺ T cell status is noted in CA and BPD but the later disease is also associated with decrease in Tregs, suggesting that the development of BPD is marked by distinct inflammatory changes from those of CA exposed infants.