Differential development of type 1 and type 2 cytokines and beta-chemokines in the ontogeny of healthy newborns

Interleukin (IL)-2, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma; type 1 cytokines), IL-4, a nd IL-10 (type 2 cytokines), and beta-chemokines (MIP-1 alpha and RANTES) p roduction by cord blood lymphocytes (CBL) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of newborns was analyzed in a cross-sectional study to examine the ma turation of these components of the immune response. Immunophenotyping was performed on the same specimens. Results showed that the CD4/CD8 ratio rema ins stable, the percentage of natural killer cells decreases, and the numbe r and percentage of B cells increase after birth. Analysis of cytokine prod uction suggested that the production of all cytokines increases gradually a nd steadily after birth, and that IFN-gamma and IL-10 production is reduced at birth whereas IL-2 and IL-4 production is not. Finally, mitogen-stimula ted beta-chemokine production was present at birth and increased slightly b ut significantly with age. These data indicate that a differential function al maturation of immune response after birth favoring a more precocious dev elopment of IL-2 (a type 1 cytokine) is present and should help to analyze the ontogeny of the immune system.