Regulatory T cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Controversial results concerning the prognostic value of the regulatory T (Treg) cell percentage in peripheral blood of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients have been reported in the previous studies. This study aimed to estimate the prognostic relevance of Treg cells in untreated CLL patients at diagnosis. CLL patients showed significantly higher Treg cell percentage and Treg cell counts as compared to that identified in healthy normal controls (P < 0.01 for both). Furthermore, CLL patients with high LDH, β2 microglobulin levels, and those positive for CD38% express significantly higher Treg cell percentage as compared to those patients with normal LDH, β2 microglobulin levels, and negative CD38%. Also, the percentage of Treg cells was significantly higher among CLL patients having autoimmune cytopenias. In conclusion, Treg cell percentage is higher in CLL patients as compared to normal healthy controls and related to advanced stages as well as poor prognostic markers. Treg cell manipulation may represent a future strategy for management of CLL patients.