TFRC and infection: Nucleated RBCs are typically observed in the peripheralblood stream of fetuses and neonates [28] and known for a direct response tomediators in inflammation in newborns with early-onset neonatal sepsis [29].Immature nucleated RBCs express CD71 surface marker and these immature erythroidprecursors have also been reported in healthy adult peripheral blood [30].Interestingly, it is known that the immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cellscompromise neonatal host defense against infection [9].