Regulatory T-cells in children with generalized epilepsy: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neurology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Emerging evidence links immune dysregulation, particularly regulatory T-cells (Tregs), to epilepsy pathogenesis.
• Data on Tregs profiles in pediatric generalized epilepsy are limited.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokine elevation and Tregs deficiency are reported in pediatric epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare peripheral Tregs levels and immune profiles in Egyptian children with newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy versus healthy controls.
• To investigate the immune signature at disease onset in drug-naïve children.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 45 children with epilepsy and 45 healthy controls.
• Quantification of Tregs and immune markers using multicolor flow cytometry.
• Measurement of serum cytokines (IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β) via ELISA.

Main Results:

• Children with epilepsy had significantly lower percentages of Tregs (1.95% ± 0.7%) compared to controls (3.1% ± 0.9%, p < 0.001).
• Reduced CD4+ T-cells and elevated CD8+ T-cells, B-cells, and NK cells were observed in the epilepsy group.
• Elevated levels of IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6) were found in children with epilepsy.

Conclusions:

• Immune dysregulation, including reduced Tregs and altered lymphocyte distribution, is associated with generalized epilepsy in children.
• A dual pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profile may play a role in epilepsy pathophysiology.
• Results support exploring immunomodulatory strategies targeting Tregs restoration for potential disease modification.