REDUCED LEVELS OF CD2-CELL SUBSETS IN PATIENTS WITH SICKLE-CELL-ANEMIA( CELLS AND T)

Investigation of B lymphocytes and T-lymphocyte subsets in patients wi th homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD) who were not in crisis and who did not demonstrate infectious complications showed these cell popula tions to be abnormal. The proportion of total T cells (CD2+) was signi ficantly reduced (P = 0.002) when compared with controls. B cells (CD1 9+) were significantly elevated in sicklers (P = 0.029). Helper/induce r (CD4+) and suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8+) cells were significantly redu ced (P = 0.019 and P = 0.0001, respectively). The average ratio of T c ells/B cells in SCD patients was 3.7:1, while controls showed a ratio of 7.2:1. Since patients with SCD are abnormally susceptible to severe infections, we discussed the implications of low levels of CD4+ and C D8+ cells and the consequent cytokine imbalance in SCD patients which may lead to impairment of immunity.