Immunological studies in sickle cell disease

Patients with sickle cell disease have an increased risk of development of overwhelming bacterial infection. Although several defects in immunological function have been described, analysis of suppressor T (TG) cells has not been studied. Of the sickle cell patients assessed, all had at least 50% less T cells than the normal controls. In 70% of the cases, these patients had increased percentages of suppressor (TG) cells. When helper cells (TM) were tested, these numbers were similar to control values. These preliminary findings suggest an important mechanism to explain sickle cell disease infections in addition to previously defined immunological disorders and the asplenic state.