The Effects of Stimulation with PMA/Ionomycin on CD4+ T Cell Proliferation and Surface CD4 Molecule Modulation of Patients with LRBA Deficiency and CVID with the Unsolved Genetic Defect.

BACKGROUND

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic primary immunodeficiencies. LPS-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency is a combined immunodeficiency characterized by a CVID-like phenotype. Affected patients by LRBA and CVID present a wide range of clinical manifestations, including hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections, autoimmunity, as well as T cell abnormality.

METHODS

The study population comprised of patients with CVID (n=10), LRBA deficiency (n=11), and healthy controls (n=12). CD4+ T cell frequency and CD4 MFI (mean fluorescence intensity) were evaluated using flow cytometry before and after stimulation with PMA/ION.

RESULTS

The frequencies of CD4+ T cells were significantly lower in patients with LRBA deficiency than in HCs before and after treatment. In the unstimulated state, the CD4+ T cells frequency in CVID patients was significantly lower than in HCs. There were no statistically significant differences between patients and healthy individuals in CD4+ T cell proliferation. Compared to HCs, LRBA and CVID patients showed a lower CD4 MFI in unstimulated conditions. Furthermore, CD4 MFI decreased in both patients and the control group following activation.

CONCLUSION

Despite the reported decrease in CD4+ T cell frequency in patients with CVID and LRBA deficiency, our findings demonstrated that their CD4+ T cells have a normal proliferative response to stimuli similar to healthy individuals.