Immune Cells

Immune cells, or “killer cells,” are primarily responsible for destroying foreign bodies, particularly virus-infected cells, cancer cells, and senescent cells. They include:

NK cells or natural killer cells
T cells, categorized into:

Main subsets (CD3+/CD4+/CD8+ cells)
Regulatory subset (Regulatory T (T_reg) cells)

NK cells, or natural killer cells

NK cells are large white blood cells crucial to the innate immune system. They act as the first line of defense, readily destroying foreign bodies such as infected cells and cancer cells without prior recognition or stimulation from other immune cells. Research indicates that decreased NK cell activity significantly increases cancer risk.

NK cell activity

Wincell Research uses a Gold Standard equivalent technology “ the ⁵¹Cr release assay ”, to measure NK cell activity. It directly assesses the cancer-killing ability of NK cells ( CD56^dim/CD16^bright ) using the Calcein-AM cytotoxicity assay, a recognized, accurate, and safe method for operators.

NK cell count

Flow Cytometry is used to measure the number of NK cells in the bloodstream. It helps assess the risk of cancer and viral infections. Individuals with lower-than-normal NK cell counts have a higher risk of developing cancer and infections. Therefore, measuring both the number and activity of NK cells provides a more comprehensive evaluation of NK cell potential.

Individuals Recommended for NK Cell Count and Activity Analysis:

Individuals at risk of developing cancer, such as those who consume alcohol, smoke, experience stress, have insufficient rest, or are overweight.

T Cell Analysis

Characteristics of T cells and cell surface receptors

T cells come in various types, such as Cytotoxic T cells (CD8), which help eliminate infected cells and cancer cells; Helper T cells (CD4), which help stimulate and control the function of the immune system; and Regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which control and suppress excessive immune responses that may lead to autoimmune diseases, helping to maintain immune balance.

Classification and identification of T cell types using Cluster of Differentiation (CD)

T Cell Subset Count (CD3+/CD4+/CD8+ Cell Count)

This test measures the number of main T cell subsets in the bloodstream. It assesses the levels of Cytotoxic T cells (CD8) and Helper T cells (CD4) to evaluate the body’s readiness to eliminate infected cells and foreign substances, as well as its capacity to efficiently stimulate and control the function of the immune system.

Regulatory T cell (Treg cell) count

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are a subset of T cells that play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis within the body. They prevent T cells that recognize the body’s own cells from attacking them. Furthermore, they prevent the mother’s immune system from harming the fetus during pregnancy. They also help suppress the activity of white blood cells that are overly sensitive to foreign bodies, which is a cause of allergies or asthma.

Importance of Regulatory T cell or Treg cell count testing

The test results can help assess the risk of developing diseases related to the immune system and cancer. However, it should be used in conjunction with other medical diagnostic tests.

A lower-than-normal number of Treg cells

A lower-than-normal number of Treg cells may indicate that the immune system is unable to suppress white blood cells from attacking the body’s own cells, leading to Autoimmune Diseases. It may also result in the inability to control the activity of other cells in the immune system, causing allergies or allergic conditions.

A higher-than-normal number of Treg cells

A higher-than-normal number of Treg cells may suggest an increased risk of cancer or viral infections, such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This is because Treg cells can help cancer cells or viruses evade the immune system.

The FIGURE/IMAGE above illustrates the interaction of various cells within the body’s immune system. When cancer cells are detected, cells responsible for presenting fragments of foreign bodies, such as Dendritic cells or Macrophages, present fragments of the cancer cells to Treg cells. Subsequently, Treg cells suppress the activity of T cells, preventing T cells from eliminating the cancer cells.

Individuals Recommended for Regulatory T Cell Testing:

Individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Individuals currently undergoing treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Individuals currently undergoing treatment for allergies.
Individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Individuals with viral infections, which may indicate immunodeficiency.
Patients with chronic diseases, such as liver disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Individuals who experience insufficient rest, stress, lack of exercise, or have underlying health issues.
Individuals with malnutrition due to an unbalanced diet.

Practices to Increase Regulatory T Cell or Treg Cell Count:

Consult a doctor to gather information on risk factors for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Use dietary supplements that help boost the body’s immunity.
Increase the consumption of food rich in antioxidants or vitamin supplements, especially vitamin A.
Engage in appropriate exercise, particularly in the morning to increase vitamin D exposure.
Get sufficient rest and adopt a balanced lifestyle.