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Altered cellular immune functions in patients with Down's syndrome.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Patients with Down syndrome (DS) show reduced B and T lymphocytes, indicating impaired immunocompetence. However, increased Fc receptor cell activity suggests a common environmental influence on immune responses in DS and control groups.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is associated with various health complications, including potential immune system dysregulation.
- Understanding cell-associated immunocompetence in DS is crucial for managing associated health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cell-associated immunocompetence in patients with Down syndrome.
- To compare immune cell profiles and functions between DS patients and control groups.
Main Methods:
- Assessed B and T lymphocyte levels and function (proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin).
- Measured Fc receptor (FcR) cell activity via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
- Compared findings in 42 DS patients against institutionalized and normal control groups.
Main Results:
- Marked reduction in B lymphocytes (percentage and absolute number) in DS patients.
- Significantly decreased T-lymphocyte proliferative response to phytohemagglutinin in DS patients.
- Increased FcR cell activity observed in both DS and control patients, likely due to environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Down syndrome is characterized by significant alterations in B and T lymphocyte populations and function.
- Elevated FcR cell activity in DS patients may stem from shared environmental exposures, not solely DS-specific pathology.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the immune profile in Down syndrome.