T Cell Abnormalities in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Rationale:

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by hypogammaglobinemia and recurrent infections. T cell abnormalities might participate in its immunopathology. The aim of this study was to analyze T cell quantity and function in patients with CVID. 

Methods:

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from whole blood by Ficoll Hypaque gradient from 14 patients with CVID and 14 age and sex matched control individuals. T cell phenotyping was performed by flow cytometry using different monoclonal antibodies. For functional studies PBMC were cultured and stimulated with polyclonal mitogens (PHA, Con A and PWD) and recall antigens (candida antigens, PPD and trychophyton) for 72 hr.  Cell proliferation was measured by titrated thymidine uptake and values expressed in cpm. IFN-g, IL 10 and IL 17 production was measured in culture supernatants by ELISA.  

Results:

Patients with CVID showed decreased number of CD4+ T cells when compared with healthy controls (p <  0,05). PBMC from CVID patients showed decreased proliferation indexes compared to healthy controls when cultured with PHA (p < 0,05), Con A ( p < 0,05), PWD (p < 0,05) and Trychophyton (p < 0,05).  There was also significant less IL17 production in CVID cultures stimulated with PHA  and PWD (p < 0,05), while no differences were detected for IL 10 and IFN g.

Conclusions:

Patients with CVID showed reduced T cell numbers, less in vitro proliferation against mitogens and less production of IL 17. These results suggest T cell abnormalities  in patients with this disease.