Reference values of lymphocyte subsets from healthy Polish adults

Aleksander Roszczyk1, Michał Zych1, Dariusz Sołdacki2

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.

Insights

This study establishes crucial reference ranges for T, B, and NK lymphocyte subsets in adult Poles, highlighting sex and age differences in immunophenotype. These findings are vital for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of immunodeficient patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Flow Cytometry

Background:

  • Flow cytometry aids in diagnosing and monitoring immunodeficient patients.
  • Clinical guidelines often focus on T, B, and NK cells, but reference values vary globally.
  • Limited data exists for adult Polish populations regarding lymphocyte subsets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine reference values for T, B, and NK lymphocyte subsets in adult Poles.
  • Analyze sex-based differences in lymphocyte subset percentages and counts.
  • Investigate age-related correlations within specific lymphocyte subsets.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized flow cytometry to analyze T, B, and NK cell subsets.
  • Collected data from an adult Polish population.
  • Stratified results by sex and age groups.

Main Results:

  • Females exhibited higher percentages of CD45++, T helper cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, marginal zone-like B cells, class-switched B cells, and CD21low B cells.
  • Males showed elevated percentages of naïve B lymphocytes, transitional B cells, and plasmablasts.
  • Age correlated positively with double positive T, NKT, and CD21low B cells, and negatively with double negative T cells, marginal zone-like B cells, and plasmablasts.

Conclusions:

  • Established sex- and age-specific reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets in adult Poles.
  • Emphasized the importance of distinct reference ranges for accurate immunophenotyping.
  • Findings support improved clinical decision-making for immunodeficient patients.