Frontiers in Immunology (Jun 2022)

Changes in Systemic Regulatory T Cells, Effector T Cells, and Monocyte Populations Associated With Early-Life Stunting

  • Zo Andriamanantena,
  • Fanirisoa Randrianarisaona,
  • Maheninasy Rakotondrainipiana,
  • Prisca Andriantsalama,
  • Ravaka Randriamparany,
  • Rindra Randremanana,
  • Frédérique Randrianirina,
  • Sophie Novault,
  • Darragh Duffy,
  • François Huetz,
  • Milena Hasan,
  • Matthieu Schoenhals,
  • Philippe J. Sansonetti,
  • Pascale Vonaesch,
  • Inès Vigan-Womas,
  • Afribiota Investigators,
  • Laurence Barbot-Trystram,
  • Robert Barouki,
  • Alexandra Bastaraud,
  • Jean-Marc Collard,
  • Maria Doria,
  • Darragh Duffy,
  • Serge Ghislain Djorie,
  • Tamara Giles-Vernick,
  • Bolmbaye Privat Gondje,
  • Jean-Chrysostome Gody,
  • Milena Hasan,
  • Jean-Michel Héraud,
  • Francis Allan Hunald,
  • Nathalie Kapel,
  • Jean-Pierre Lombart,
  • Alexandre Manirakiza,
  • Synthia Nazita Nigatoloum,
  • Laura Wegener Parfrey,
  • Lisette Raharimalala,
  • Maheninasy Rakotondrainipiana,
  • Rindra Vatosoa Randremanana,
  • Harifetra Mamy Richard Randriamizao,
  • Frédérique Randrianirina,
  • Annick Lalaina Robinson,
  • Pierre-Alain Rubbo,
  • Philippe Sansonetti,
  • Laura Schaeffer,
  • Ionela Gouandjika-Vassilache,
  • Pascale Vonaesch,
  • Sonia Sandrine Vondo,
  • Inès Vigan-Womas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.864084
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

Read online

Stunting and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) may be responsible for altered gut and systemic immune responses. However, their impact on circulating immune cell populations remains poorly characterized during early life. A detailed flow cytometry analysis of major systemic immune cell populations in 53 stunted and 52 non-stunted (2 to 5 years old) children living in Antananarivo (Madagascar) was performed. Compared to age-matched non-stunted controls, stunted children aged 2-3 years old had a significantly lower relative proportion of classical monocytes. No significant associations were found between stunting and the percentages of effector T helper cell populations (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th1Th17, and cTfh). However, we found that HLA-DR expression (MFI) on all memory CD4+ or CD8+ T cell subsets was significantly lower in stunted children compared to non-stunted controls. Interestingly, in stunted children compared to the same age-matched non-stunted controls, we observed statistically significant age-specific differences in regulatory T cells (Treg) subsets. Indeed, in 2- to 3-year-old stunted children, a significantly higher percentage of memory Treg, whilst a significantly lower percentage of naive Treg, was found. Our results revealed that both innate and adaptive systemic cell percentages, as well as activation status, were impacted in an age-related manner during stunting. Our study provides valuable insights into the understanding of systemic immune system changes in stunted children.

Keywords