title: Reduced levels of CD2+ cells and T-cell subsets in patients with sickle cell anaemia.
abstract: Investigation of B lymphocytes and T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD) who were not in crisis and who did not demonstrate infectious complications showed these cell populations to be abnormal. The proportion of total T cells (CD2+) was significantly reduced (P = 0.002) when compared with controls. B cells (CD19+) were significantly elevated in sicklers (P = 0.029). Helper/inducer (CD4+) and suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8+) cells were significantly reduced (P = 0.019 and P = 0.0001, respectively). The average ratio of T cells/B cells in SCD patients was 3.7:1, while controls showed a ratio of 7.2:1. Since patients with SCD are abnormally susceptible to severe infections, we discussed the implications of low levels of CD4+ and CD8+ cells and the consequent cytokine imbalance in SCD patients which may lead to impairment of immunity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing, Kuwait University, Sulaibikhat.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kaaba
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: al-Harbi
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic