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01-12-2023 | Original Article

Single-cell RNA sequencing of intestinal immune cells in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Authors: Kazuo Oshima, Akinari Hinoki, Hiroo Uchida, Yujiro Tanaka, Yusuke Okuno, Yasuhiro Go, Chiyoe Shirota, Takahisa Tainaka, Wataru Sumida, Kazuki Yokota, Satoshi Makita, Aitaro Takimoto, Yoko Kano, Shinichiro Sawa

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Purpose

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) causes fatal intestinal necrosis in neonates, but its etiology is unknown. We analyzed the intestinal immune response to NEC.

Methods

Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we analyzed the gene expression profiles of intestinal immune cells from four neonates with intestinal perforation (two with NEC and two without NEC). Target mononuclear cells were extracted from the lamina propria of the resected intestines.

Results

In all four cases, major immune cells, such as T cells (15.1–47.7%), B cells (3.1–19.0%), monocytes (16.5–31.2%), macrophages (1.6–17.4%), dendritic cells (2.4–12.2%), and natural killer cells (7.5–12.8%), were present in similar proportions to those in the neonatal cord blood. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that the MTOR, TNF-α, and MYC signaling pathways were enriched in T cells of the NEC patients, suggesting upregulated immune responses related to inflammation and cell proliferation. In addition, all four cases exhibited a bias toward cell-mediated inflammation, based on the predominance of T helper 1 cells.

Conclusion

Intestinal immunity in NEC subjects exhibited stronger inflammatory responses compared to non-NEC subjects. Further scRNA-seq and cellular analysis may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of NEC.

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Title: Single-cell RNA sequencing of intestinal immune cells in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Kazuo Oshima
Akinari Hinoki
Hiroo Uchida
Yujiro Tanaka
Yusuke Okuno
Yasuhiro Go
Chiyoe Shirota
Takahisa Tainaka
Wataru Sumida
Kazuki Yokota
Satoshi Makita
Aitaro Takimoto
Yoko Kano
Shinichiro Sawa
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-023-05461-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Single-cell RNA sequencing of intestinal immune cells in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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