Infectious complications represent the second
most common cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity
in β-thalassemia major (BTM), with a prevalence of
12–13%. The data on unconventional T-lymphocyte subsets
in BTM children are limited. The aim of the present
study was to investigate and evaluate phenotypic alterations
in CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP), CD4− CD8− double
negative (DN), and natural killer T-lymphocytes (NKT)
in BTM children in comparison to healthy controls. Our
case control study included 80 children with BTM and 40
healthy children as controls. Assessment of unconventional
T-lymphocyte populations was done using sensitive fourcolor
flow cytometry (FACSCalibur). Our analysis of the
data showed a significantly higher frequency CD4+ CD8+
(double-positive) T cells, CD4− CD8− (double negative)
T cells, and natural killer T cells in the peripheral blood
of both BTM groups (splenectomized and non-splenectomized)
as compared to healthy controls, suggesting that
these cells may play a role in the clinical course of BTM.
The relationship of the unconventional T-lymphocytes to
immune disorders in BTM children remains to be determined.
Further longitudinal study with a larger sample size
is warranted to elucidate the role these cells in BTM.
UMIN‑CTR study design: trial number UMIN000018950.