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Updated: Oct 24, 2025
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
Published on: June 22, 2016
Preserved Mucosal-Associated Invariant T-Cell Numbers and Function in Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
Ornella Sortino1,2, Joana Dias3, Megan Anderson2
1Clinical Research Directorate/Clinical Monitoring Leidos Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Cancer Institute Campus at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
Background:
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells constitute a subset of unconventional, MR1-restricted T cells involved in antimicrobial responses as well as inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Chronic infection and inflammatory disorders as well as immunodeficiencies are often associated with decline and/or dysfunction of MAIT cells.
Methods:
We investigated the MAIT cells in patients with idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL), a syndrome characterized by consistently low CD4 T-cell counts (<300 cell/µL) in the absence of HIV infection or other known immunodeficiency, and by susceptibility to certain opportunistic infections.
Results:
The numbers, phenotype, and function of MAIT cells in peripheral blood were preserved in ICL patients compared to healthy controls. Administration of interleukin-7 (IL-7) to ICL patients expanded the CD8+ MAIT-cell subset, with maintained responsiveness and effector functions after IL-7 treatment.
Conclusions:
ICL patients maintain normal levels and function of MAIT cells, preserving some antibacterial responses despite the deficiency in CD4+ T cells.
Clinical Trials Registration:
NCT00867269.
