RESUMEN

Fetal/Neonatal immune responses are generally considered to be immature and weaker than in adults. We have sudied the cord blood T-cells of newborns congenitally-infected whith Tripanosoma cruzi, the protozoan agent of Chagas' disease. Our data demonstrate a predominant activation of CD8 T-cells expressing activation markers and armed to mediate effector functions. Indeed, we have detected parasite-specific CD8 T-cells secreting interferon-ã. Such response is enchanced in the presence of rIL-15. These findings point out that the fetal immune system is more competent than previously appreciated, since fetuses exposed to live pathogens are able to develop an adult-like immune CD8 T-cell response.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Animales , Recién Nacido , /inmunología , Feto/inmunología , Trypanosoma cruzi , Apoptosis , Diferenciación Celular/inmunología , Citocinas/análisis , Citometría de Flujo , Sangre Fetal/citología , Sangre Fetal/inmunología , Sangre Fetal/parasitología , Inmunidad Celular , Interferón-alfa/inmunología , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T alfa-beta/inmunología , Trypanosoma cruzi/inmunología