T- and B-lymphocytes in immunological disorders.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) and immunosuppressive conditions significantly impact lymphocyte populations.
• Understanding T- and B-lymphocyte dynamics is crucial for diagnosing and managing immune disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze T- and B-lymphocyte parameters in patients with various primary immunodeficiency diseases and under immunosuppressive conditions.
• To evaluate the effects of viral infections and antimetabolites on lymphocyte subsets.

Main Methods:

• Assessed T-lymphocytes using T-lymphocyte specific antigen, spontaneous rosette formation, phytohaemagglutinin response, and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions.
• Evaluated B-lymphocytes via complement receptor, surface immunoglobulin, serum immunoglobulin levels, and antibody response.
• Studied patients with infantile agammaglobulinemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, ataxia telangiectasia, Di-George syndrome, common variable immunodeficiency, IgA deficiency, and thymectomized individuals.

Main Results:

• Peripheral blood T-lymphocytes decreased in acute measles but increased in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis.
• Atypical lymphocytes in later disease stages appeared to originate mainly from T-lymphocytes.
• Cyclophosphamide demonstrated a selective suppressive effect on B-lymphocytes.

Conclusions:

• Viral infections like measles and EBV infectious mononucleosis differentially affect T-lymphocyte populations.
• T-lymphocytes are implicated in the atypical lymphocyte response observed in certain viral infections.
• Cyclophosphamide offers a targeted approach for modulating B-lymphocyte activity in immunosuppressive contexts.