The role of Treg cells and foxP3 expression in immunity of β-thalassemia major and β-thalassemia trait patients

Bozdogan G., Erdem E., Demirel G. Y., YILDIRMAK Z. Y.

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, cilt.27, sa.7, ss.534-545, 2010 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 27 Sayı: 7
  • Basım Tarihi: 2010
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3109/08880018.2010.503334
  • Dergi Adı: Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.534-545
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: children, FoxP3, lymhocyte subsets, thalassemia, Treg cells
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

There is increased susceptibility to infections in β-thalassemia. Changes in T- and B-lymphocyte subsets and functions, defective chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of neutrophils and macrophages have been described in these patients. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a crucial role in the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance. The FOXP3 gene is specifically expressed on Treg cells. Increased antigenic stimuli due to repeated blood transfusions might change the Treg cells and FOXP3 percentage in β-thalassemia. Immune functions of peripheral blood lymphocytes, percentage of Treg cells (defined as CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) were evaluated in 30 β-thalassemia major, 30 β-thalassemia trait, and 20 healthy children. Percentage of CD4+CD45RA+ cells were increased in β-thalassemia trait compared to both β-thalassemia major and controls, whereas percentage of CD4+CD45RO+ cells were higher in β-thalassemia major and trait patient compared to controls. Percentages of CD4+CD25bright and CD4+CD25 +FoxP3+ Treg cells were increased only in β-thalassemia major patients compared to controls (P=.001 and P=.0001, respectively). T lymphocytes express activated phenotype both in β-thalassemia major and trait patients. However, only in β-thalassemia major patients who were exposed to chronic antigenic stimulus as a result of repeated blood transfusions was an increase observed in Treg cells, which might suppress immune activation status. © 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.