Alterations in helper-inducer and suppressor-inducer T-cell subsets in human neonatal blood
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Updated: Sep 9, 2026

Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Published on: April 16, 2012
R Landesberg1, M Fallon, R Insel
1Department of Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642.
The distribution of T-helper cell subsets of human umbilical cord lymphocytes was compared with that of adult peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cytofluorometric analysis revealed a similar Leu 3/Leu 2 (helper/suppressor) ratio in neonates compared with adults. Total T-cell numbers were slightly decreased in neonatal blood. The Leu 3-positive-4B4-positive cell (helper-inducer) subset, however, was markedly reduced in neonatal blood, while the Leu 3-positive-2H4-positive cell (suppressor-inducer) subset was increased compared with that of normal adults. These findings may contribute to the poor help and enhanced suppression observed in vitro with neonatal T cells.
The distribution of T-helper cell subsets of human umbilical cord lymphocytes was compared with that of adult peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cytofluorometric analysis revealed a similar Leu 3/Leu 2 (helper/suppressor) ratio in neonates compared with adults. Total T-cell numbers were slightly decreased in neonatal blood. The Leu 3-positive-4B4-positive cell (helper-inducer) subset, however, was markedly reduced in neonatal blood, while the Leu 3-positive-2H4-positive cell (suppressor-inducer) subset was increased compared with that of normal adults. These findings may contribute to the poor help and enhanced suppression observed in vitro with neonatal T cells.
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