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.