Thymic Function and T Cell Parameters in Seasonal Infectious Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Ngom Pa T, Solon Juan, Moore Sophie E, Morgan Gareth, Prentice Andrew M, Aspinall Richard
Primary Institution: Nutrition Programme, MRC Laboratories, The Gambia
Hypothesis
Season of birth effects on thymic function and T cell immunity would be detectable in young adults.
Conclusion
Aspects of adult T cell immunity were influenced by early life stressors, despite unchanged thymic function.
Supporting Evidence
- Those born in the hungry/high infection season had lower CD4+ and CD3+ T cell counts.
- CD8+ telomere length was shorter in those born during the hungry/high infection season.
- Chronic infections may modulate immunity through T cell repertoire development.
Takeaway
The study found that when babies are born during tough times with less food and more sickness, it can affect their immune system later in life.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study analyzing T cell subsets and thymic output in young adults born in different seasonal conditions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the loss of severely affected individuals who may not have survived to participate.
Limitations
The study may be biased due to the mortality of the worst affected individuals before reaching adolescence.
Participant Demographics
60 overtly healthy males aged 18-23 from rural village community clusters.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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