Description
This work focuses on understanding the molecular basis of the immune dysfunctions in Idiopathic CD4+ T cells lymphocytopenia (ICL). ICL is a rare haematological disorder of unknown origin, characterized by a profound and persistent CD4+ T-cell defect, which predisposes to life threatening opportunistic infections very similar to those seen in AIDS. To analyse more in depth the functional pathways involved in ICL pathogenesis, we conducted gene expression profiling of CD4+ T-cells isolated from blood samples from ICL, sarcoidosis and healthy individuals. Our analyses have revealed specific CD4+ T-cells gene expression signatures in ICL associated with defective TCR activation threshold, expansion of the Treg-cell compartment and interestingly with accelerated immune aging.