Numerical and functional deficiency in T helper cells in protein energy malnutrition

Abstract

Protein energy malnutrition decreased the number of rosette forming T lymphocytes, of T4 positive cells and their ability to provide help to B cells in antibody synthesis. There was a reduction in serum thymic hormone activity and an elevation of leucocyte terminal transferase and plasma cortisol levels. The numberical and functional deficiency of T4⁺ helper cells may be important in the pathogenesis of some of the clinical and immunological manifestations of protein energy malnutrition.