Immune modulation in polytrans fused Egyptian children with thalassemia

ABSTRACT

Fifteen children with beta thalassemia major, with no evidence of infection, were evaluated for their interleukin-2 [IL-2] production, complement [C[3]] level, as well as immune complex formation. Eight healthy children served as control subject. The study revealed a significant decrease in IL-2 production and a significant increase in immune complexes formation in thalassemic children. Regarding C[3] level, it shows marked decrease in children with thalassemia when compared to normal one. from the immunological point of view, the present work shows some interesting findings, that poly transfused beta-thalassemic children are presented by certain functional immune deficiency determined by a defect in T cell response, as denoted by reduction in IL-2 level. Decrease in C[3] level is also observed which is the result of the increase in immune complex formation obtained in children with thalassemia