AUTHOR=Andriamanantena Zo , Randrianarisaona Fanirisoa , Rakotondrainipiana Maheninasy , Andriantsalama Prisca , Randriamparany Ravaka , Randremanana Rindra , Randrianirina Frédérique , Novault Sophie , Duffy Darragh , Huetz François , Hasan Milena , Schoenhals Matthieu , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Vonaesch Pascale , Vigan-Womas Inès , Afribiota Investigators , Barbot-Trystram Laurence , Barouki Robert , Bastaraud Alexandra , Collard Jean-Marc , Doria Maria , Duffy Darragh , Djorie Serge Ghislain , Giles-Vernick Tamara , Gondje Bolmbaye Privat , Gody Jean-Chrysostome , Hasan Milena , Héraud Jean-Michel , Hunald Francis Allan , Kapel Nathalie , Lombart Jean-Pierre , Manirakiza Alexandre , Nigatoloum Synthia Nazita , Parfrey Laura Wegener , Raharimalala Lisette , Rakotondrainipiana Maheninasy , Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa , Randriamizao Harifetra Mamy Richard , Randrianirina Frédérique , Robinson Annick Lalaina , Rubbo Pierre-Alain , Sansonetti Philippe , Schaeffer Laura , Gouandjika-Vassilache Ionela , Vonaesch Pascale , Vondo Sonia Sandrine , Vigan-Womas Inès TITLE=Changes in Systemic Regulatory T Cells, Effector T Cells, and Monocyte Populations Associated With Early-Life Stunting JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology VOLUME=13 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.864084 DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2022.864084 ISSN=1664-3224 ABSTRACT=

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.