Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Interview: Glycolipid Antigen Presentation by CD1d and the Therapeutic Potential of NKT cell Activation
Published on: December 31, 2007
T lymphocytes and NK cells in X-linked agammaglobulinemia
Abstract:
Seven boys with diagnosis of X-linked agammaglobulinemia on regular substitution of immunoglobulins were included into study. The patients showed episodes of infections but the clinical course was mild with good response to antibiotics. All patients developed, with time, the chronic sinusitis with proliferation of mucous membrane, two patients showed bronchiectases. The number of T lymphocytes, ratio of CD4:CD8 subpopulations, response to stimulation and NK number were assayed with flow cytometry and cell culture. Results showed CD4:CD8 ratio within normal value in majority of patients, reverse ratio in 2 boys, increased number of activated T cells (CD3/HLA-DR) in one of them. The number of NK cells was different from lack of these cells to high number. Response of T cells to stimulation (mitogens and CD3) were normal in majority of assays. There were no associations between clinical course and observed changes in T or NK cell populations. Further studies on number and function of NK cells are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...

