LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

Abstract

Pulmonary infection, malabsorption and elevated immunoglobulin levels may be interrelated in CF. To examine the immunologic processes in these patients (pts), lymphocyte subsets were quantitated and correlated with Schwackman scores for overall clinical status (SS), nutritional status (SSn) and chest X-ray scores (SSx). Fifty-four CF pts, 31M, 23F, age 17±10 years were studied. Lymphocyte subsets were quantitated with monoclonal antibodies for T-cells (Leul), T “helpers” (Leu3) T “suppressors” (Leu2) and B-cells (surface immunoglobulin positive, sIg+) using an indirect immunofluorescent technique. Pt values were compared to controlls obtained concurrently. SS, SSn and SSx were determined independently. Analyses of relative numbers (%) of lymphocyte subsets revealed no apparent differences between pts and controls. However, absolute numbers of lymphocyte subsets revealed that pts had significantly higher sIg+ cell numbers than controls (expressed as logs, 2.15 vs. 1.83, p=.038) and decreased Leu2+ cells (9.7 vs. 10.2, p=0.006). Leu3+ cells correlated inversely with SS, SSn and SSx (r's>-.32), p's<.03). In summary, CF pts have heightened immune responses as reflected in increased sIg+ and decreased Leu2+ numbers; poor clinical, nutritional and chest X-ray status is associated with elevated Leu3+ numbers. In contrast to previous reports of T-cell dysfunction in malnourished pts, malnourished CF pts do not have deficiencies of lymphocyte subsets.