Functional study of peripheral blood CD8 + T cells in Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the function and clinical significance of peripheral blood CD8 + T cells in EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis (IM). METHODS: From June 2022 to May 2024, blood samples of 48 IM children and 24 healthy controls were collected. ELISA detected IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β1 levels, and RT-PCR measured perforin and granzyme B mRNA levels. RESULTS: results showed higher white blood cell, lymphocyte counts, etc. in the case group. Also, more CD3+, CD3 + CD8+ and NK cells, lower CD4+/CD8 + ratio were found in cases. IFN-γ, IL-10, perforin, granzyme B were higher, while TGF-β1 was lower in cases. Some negative and positive correlations were found among cytokines and cell counts. CONCLUSION: CD8 + T cells and their related cytokines IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β1, perforin and granzyme B are involved in the immune process of infectious mononucleosis related to EBV. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.