Dihydrotestosterone levels at birth associate positively with higher proportions of circulating immature/naïve CD5+ B cells in boys

Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 14;7(1):15503. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15836-1.

Abstract

Boys present with higher proportions of immature/naïve CD5+ B cells than girls up to 3 years of age. Boys also have higher fractions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in early infancy, but the mechanisms for these sex-related differences are unknown. In the prospective FARMFLORA follow-up study of 23 boys and 25 girls, we investigated if these immunological differences remained at 8 years of age. We also examined if testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels at birth and at 8 years of age were associated with immune maturation. Immunological variables and androgen levels were examined and measured in blood samples obtained at birth, 3-5 days and at 8 years of age. Boys had higher proportions of CD5+ and immature/transitional CD24hiCD38hi B cells, whereas girls had higher fractions of B cells with a memory phenotype at 8 years of age. School-aged boys also presented with higher frequencies of Tregs, and a greater capacity to produce T-cell-associated cytokines. Among boys, higher cord blood DHT levels were associated with higher proportions of CD5+ B cells in early infancy and at 8 years of life. These results suggest that DHT actions in utero might be involved in the mechanism for delayed peripheral B-cell maturation in boys.

MeSH terms

  • ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 / genetics
  • ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD24 Antigen / genetics
  • CD24 Antigen / immunology
  • CD5 Antigens / genetics
  • CD5 Antigens / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Child
  • Dihydrotestosterone / blood*
  • Dihydrotestosterone / immunology
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Characteristics
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Testosterone / blood*
  • Testosterone / immunology

Substances

  • CD24 Antigen
  • CD5 Antigens
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Testosterone
  • CD38 protein, human
  • ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1