Lymphocyte subtypes CD3+, CD19+, CD16+CD56+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD3+HLA-DR+ in peripheral blood obtained from patients

S Zegleń1, A Łaszewska, J Wojarski

  • 1Department and Clinic of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology, Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland. slawekzeglen@poczta.onet.pl

Insights

Peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, including CD19+ B cells and CD8+ T cells, significantly decreased one year after thoracic organ transplantation. Numbers trended toward normalization after the first year, with increased activated HLA-DR+ cells observed.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Assessing peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes in thoracic organ recipients is crucial for understanding post-transplant immune status.
  • Specific lymphocyte populations evaluated include CD3+, CD19+, CD16+CD56+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD3+HLA-DR+.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes at various time points after lung and heart transplantation.
  • To identify trends in lymphocyte populations during the first year and beyond post-transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • Seventeen lung transplant (LT) and 5 heart transplant (HT) recipients were studied.
  • Lymphocyte phenotypes were analyzed using the Simultest IMK Plus assay.
  • Data collected at various intervals post-transplantation.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in CD19+ B lymphocytes (56%), CD8+ T cells (48%), and CD16+CD56+ natural killer cells (56%) was observed one year post-transplantation.
  • Conversely, an increase in activated lymphocytes (CD3+HLA-DR+) was noted.
  • A trend towards normalization of lymphocyte parameters was observed after the first year.

Conclusions:

  • Thoracic organ recipients exhibit a decrease in various peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes within the first year post-transplantation, excluding activated HLA-DR+ cells.
  • A slow restoration of lymphocyte populations occurs after the first year.
  • These findings highlight dynamic immune changes following thoracic organ transplantation.
Abstract