EXPRESSION OF CYTOKINE RECEPTORS BY HUMAN CORD-BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES - COMPARISON WITH ADULT-BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES

The expression of receptors for several cytokines (IL 2, IL-4, IL-6, I L-7, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon-gamma) was examined in huma n cord blood cells in comparison with adult blood cells. A previously described high sensitivity immuno-fluorescence procedure was used to r ender the low levels of receptor measurable. Cord blood lymphocytes ex pressed measurable levels of most cytokine receptors, but expression t ended to be lower than in adult blood cells. Examination of different lymphocyte subpopulations revealed a complex pattern with some cell ty pes expressing particular receptors equivalent to adult levels, Cord a nd adult blood monocytes expressed similar cytokine receptor profiles. Receptor expression in cord lymphocytes could be regulated by activat ion. The results provide indications as to the relative activities of different cytokines in the development of the immune system in the neo nate.