RNA-sequencing from nasal curettes or swabs collected from young children aged 1-5

There is a paucity of data on how the mucosal immune system changes with age. Moreover, the link between nasal presence of bacteria and viruses with the immune system in young children is still poorly understood. To address these questions we collected nasal curettes, nasal swabs and filter papers from young children undergoing anesthesia for surgery unrelated to respiratory complaints. Microbial and host parameters were analysed from these samples, including transcriptomics from nasal curettes and swabs. Results revealed strong differences in nasal mucosal immunity in children compared with adutls, as well as clear effects of the presence of bacteria such as pneumococcus and haemophilus on the local immune system