Italian journal of pediatricsLetter

12 Oct 2024

Dysfunction of γδ T cells in pediatric chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Abstract

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a progressive and life-threatening disease characterized by persistent or recurrent EBV activation. It has been reported that, γδ T cells, a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte, play a critical role in restricting EBV.

However, the functional status of γδ T cells in pediatric CAEBV patients has not yet been described. In this study, flow cytometry analysis was conducted to explore the cytokine production capacity of γδ T cells in CAEBV patients.

A diminished frequency of γδ T cells and decreased expression of cytolytic molecule granzyme B were found in CAEBV patients, suggesting a dysfunction in the immune regulatory function of γδ T cells in this disease.

COI Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Article info

Journal issue:

  • Volume: 50
  • Issue: 1

Doi:

10.1186/s13052-024-01783-x

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