We hypothesized that progressive loss of renal function specifically affects certain T cell subsets. T lymphocyte subsets of patients with chronic kidney disease and healthy controls were characterized by flow cytometry using heparin-anticoagulated whole blood samples. Plasma interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-15 concentrations were determined as these cytokines are critically involved in T cell homeostasis. The results revealed that a progressive decrease in renal function is associated with activation and selective loss of naive T cells and CD4 + central memory cells and a marked increase in CD8 + memory T cells that lack CD45RO and CCR7. The profile of T cell subsets of patients with CKD 5 with or without hemodialysis treatment was similar except for a pronounced shift to Th1 cells in hemodialysis patients. IL-7 but not IL-15 plasma concentrations were lowered in patients with end-stage renal disease as compared to healthy controls.

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doi.org/10.1016/j.clim.2005.09.007, hdl.handle.net/1765/65659
Clinical Immunology
Department of Internal Medicine

Litjens, N., van Druningen, C., & Betjes, M. (2006). Progressive loss of renal function is associated with activation and depletion of naive T lymphocytes. Clinical Immunology, 118(1), 83–91. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2005.09.007