Cellular dynamics in the lungs of neonatal and juvenile mice in response to E. coli

Bacterial pneumonias cause significantly higher morbidity and mortality in neonates compared to other age groups. To understand the immune mechanisms that underlie these age-related differences, we employed a mouse model of E. coli pneumonia to examine cellular and molecular dynamics in immune responsiveness in neonates (PND 3-5) and juveniles (PND 12-18) at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Conclusion:
We found significant differences in the early cellular and molecular dynamics in the lungs that likely contribute to the elevated susceptibility of neonates to bacterial pneumonia and could represent targets for intervention to improve respiratory outcomes and survivability of neonates.