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518254 
Journal Article 
Immaturity of IL-18 gene expression and protein production in cord blood (CB) versus peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells and differential effects in natural killer (NK) cell development and function 
Satwani, P; Ayello, J; Ven, C; O'Neill, AF; Simpson, LL; Baxi, L; Cairo, MS 
2005 
Yes 
British Journal of Haematology
ISSN: 0007-1048
EISSN: 1365-2141 
130 
2 
284-292 
English 
We have previously demonstrated dysregulation of IL-12 and IL-15 gene and protein expression between activated cord blood (CB) versus peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells (MNCs). In the present study, we compared IL-18 gene expression and protein production and IL-18 mRNA half-life in basal versus activated CB versus PB MNCs, the effects of IL-18 +/- IL-12 on MNCs IFN-gamma protein production and ex vivo expansion and activation of CB with IL-12 + IL-2 + anti-CD3 +/- IL-18. Basal and activated levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in PB versus CB MNCs (P < 0.05). IL-18 mRNA was coincidental with protein levels and significantly lower in CB (P < 0.05) and its half-life significantly shorter in CB versus PB MNCs (P < 0.05). IL-18 synergistically with IL-12 induced IFN-gamma production from PB greater than CB MNCs (P < 0.05). NK cells expansion (P < 0.001) and cytotoxicity (P < 0.01) was significantly increased with IL-12 + IL-2 + anti-CD3 and IL-18. In summary IL-18 gene expression and protein production are significantly decreased in activated CB versus PB MNCs, in part secondary to increased degradation of CB IL-18 mRNA. These results may have implications for the mechanism(s) in part responsible for the immaturity of CB T-cell immunity. 
interleukin-18; cord blood; natural killer cells; interferon-gamma; stem cell transplant; versus-host-disease; colony-stimulating factor; hematopoietic; stem-cells; ifn-gamma production; unrelated donors; interferon-gamma; t-cells; activated cord; immune reconstitution; cytokine production