Alterations of T Cell Subsets Associated with Sickle Cell Trait.

Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with alterations in various immune-related laboratory parameters including lower circulating lymphocyte counts. To further characterize the impact of SCT on the immune system, we performed flow cytometry of monocyte and lymphocyte immune cell subsets from peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected in a large, community-based cohort of SCT-positive (n = 68) and SCT-negative (n = 959) Black adults. SCT was significantly associated with lower proportions of CD8 and CD4 T cell subsets that include senescent-like markers of repeated immune system challenges. These immune alterations could have potential implications for the susceptibility of individuals with SCT to various infectious diseases.