Figure S3.
Panel a shows a box plot of RANKL protein concentration across different age groups and delivery statuses. The x-axis represents age groups in days, and the y-axis represents RANKL levels. Panel b shows a similar box plot for LT protein concentration. Panel c is a scatter plot showing the correlation between RANKL and thymic output (Log10TREC) for the entire cohort, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.58 and p-value of 1.1e-10. Panel d shows the same correlation separated by term status, with R values of 0.52 and 0.59 for term and preterm groups, respectively. Panel e is a scatter plot showing the correlation between CD4 T cell percentages and RANKL levels, colored by delivery status, with an R value of 0.399 and p-value of 0.00208. Panel f shows a similar scatter plot for LT levels, with an R value of 0.405 and p-value of 0.00175. Panel g is a scatter plot showing the correlation between RANKL levels and sjTREC in children who did not receive steroids, with an R value of 0.57 and p-value of 1.7e-9. Panel h shows the correlation between RANKL levels and CD4 frequency in the same group, with an R value of 0.42 and p-value of 0.0016.
RANKL and LTα correlation with thymic output and cell population independently of delivery status and steroids administration. (a–h) Relative protein concentration (NPX) of RANKL (a) and LTα (b) according to delivery status and age group. Spearman correlation of RANKL and thymic output in all cohort (c) or separated by term status (d). Spearman correlation of CD4 T cells percentages with RANKL (e) and LTα (f) colored by delivery status. Correlation of RANKL levels and sjTREC (g) or CD4 frequency (h) in children who did not received steroids.