Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry
Published on: June 26, 2018
Multiparametric analysis of peripheral blood in the normal pediatric population by flow cytometry
1Department of Pathology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
Insights
This study reveals how lymphocyte subsets change with age in healthy individuals. Key immune cell percentages and counts, like CD3+, CD4+, and CD19+ lymphocytes, show significant age-related correlations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Health
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Lymphocyte subsets are crucial for immune function.
- Understanding age-related changes in lymphocyte populations is vital for assessing immune status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze age-related variations in lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+) in healthy children and adults.
- To establish reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analysis of whole blood samples.
- Quantification of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+) in six age groups.
- Statistical analysis to determine age correlations.
Main Results:
- Percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes positively correlated with age.
- Absolute counts and percentages of total lymphocytes and CD19+ lymphocytes decreased with age.
- No significant age correlation found for white blood cells, absolute CD4+/CD8+ counts, or the CD4+/CD8+ ratio.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte subset distribution exhibits significant age-dependent changes in healthy individuals.
- These findings provide normative data for lymphocyte subsets across the lifespan.
- Age-related alterations in lymphocyte populations may impact immune responses throughout life.
Abstract:
Lymphocyte subset analysis was performed on 114 healthy children and 84 healthy adults. Samples were prepared by a whole blood lysis technique and analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage and total number of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ lymphocytes were calculated for each of six age groups. A direct correlation with age was seen in the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes. The absolute number and percentage of total lymphocytes, the percentage and absolute number of CD19+ lymphocytes, and the absolute number of CD3+ lymphocytes decreased with age. No significant correlation with age was observed for white blood cells, the absolute number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio.
