Decreased CD4+CD29+ (memory T) cells in patients with chronic granulomatous disease.
By the use of flow cytometry, 17 patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) were examined for lymphocyte subsets. CD4+CD29+ cell (memory T cell) and CD8+CD11b+ cell (suppressor T cell) subsets in CGD were significantly decreased and remained practically unchanged throughout the period examined except in those < 6 months of age, although in controls both subsets gradually increased with age. These data indicate a certain abnormality in the maturation process of CGD T lymphocytes. Memory T cells are known to secrete a large amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Recently, administration of IFN-gamma to CGD patients has become an effective treatment that reduces the frequency of serious bacterial infections. Decreased memory T cells may clarify the mechanism of therapeutic effectiveness, which remains unknown.
Hasui
M
M
Department of Pediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Hattori
K
K
Taniuchi
S
S
Kohdera
U
U
Nishikawa
A
A
Kinoshita
Y
Y
Kobayashi
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006105:Granulomatous Disease, Chronic / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000473:pathology*