MINI REVIEW;CHARACTERIZATION OF T CELL ACTIVATION AND REGULATION IN CHILDREN IN SOME PARASITIC DISEASES

Abstract

In children with asymptomatic infections, levels of Tregs and activated T cells were comparable to those in healthy controls but significantly lower than those in symptomatic children. After iRBC stimulation, levels of Tregs remained lower for asymptomatic versus symptomatic children. In contrast, levels of activated T cells were higher for asymptomatic children. Parasitic infection in human alimentary tract causes a significant change in immune system through its continuous antigens secretion. The aim of this study was to estimate the change in natural regulatory T cell population in peripheral bloodof patients infected with different types of alimentary tract parasites. Regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) were detected in eighty patients infected with intestinal parasites and forty healthy volunteers using flow cytometry technique. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in regulatory T cell percentage in infected patients compared to healthy group (P< 0.001). Patients infested with Giardia showed significantly higher CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cell percentages than those infested with other parasites (P< 0.001). Also, mixed infestation showed significantly higher CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cell percentages than single infestation.In conclusion, natural regulatory T cell frequencies(CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) increase significantly in patients with parasitic diseases compared to healthy controls.The higher levels were associated with mixed infection compared to single infection, and in older than younger patients.