[Clinical significance of detecting peripheral T cell subsets in children with leukemia]
Xue-Mei Li1, Hong-Xing Wang1, Hui-Xia Xiong1
1Department of Laboratorial Examination, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001,Qinghai Province, China.
Insights
Children with acute leukemia exhibit impaired T cell and NK cell immunity at diagnosis and during treatment. Immune function gradually recovers post-remission, but at a slow rate, indicating persistent cellular immune dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Acute leukemia significantly impacts the immune system in children.
- Understanding immune status is crucial for managing pediatric leukemia.
- Peripheral blood T cell dynamics require further investigation in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peripheral blood T cell changes in children with acute leukemia.
- To assess the immune status of pediatric leukemia patients at various disease stages.
- To provide a basis for immunomodulatory therapies in leukemia treatment.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to determine CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, CD3+, and NK cell counts.
- The study included 42 children with acute leukemia and 50 healthy controls.
- Measurements were taken at diagnosis and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-complete remission.
Main Results:
- Newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients showed significantly lower CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratios compared to controls.
- NK cell counts were significantly reduced in newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients.
- While NK cell counts increased post-remission, they remained statistically lower than in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Children with acute leukemia present with cellular immune dysfunction at onset and during therapy.
- Immune function shows a slow but gradual recovery after achieving complete remission.
- Findings support the potential for immunomodulatory interventions in pediatric leukemia.
Abstract:
This study was purposed to investigate the changes of peripheral blood T cells in children with acute leukemia at different stages and understand the immune status of children with leukemia. The CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD4⁺/ CD8⁺ ratio, CD3⁺ and NK cells in 42 children with acute leukemia and 50 cases of normal children (as control group) were determined by flow cytometry at different periods after complete remission. The results showed that the CD3⁺ CD4⁺, CD8⁺ rate and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio in newly diagnosed ALL and AML children were significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). The NK cell count in newly diagnosed children with acute leukemia was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). Although the NK cell count in ALL and AML children gradually rose at 3, 6, 12 months after complete remission, but it still was statistically different from normal control group (P < 0.05). It is concluded that children with acute leukima have cellular immune disfunction at onset and during treatment, but the cell immune function gradually recovered after complete remission achieved. However, its recovery rate is slow. The results of this study can provided a basis for subsequently use of immunomodulations in leukemia children.
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