Inverted CD4/CD8 ratio

[Lidia]

Does anyone have a reference to what an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio can indicate (0.7 to 0.8 consistently).

Naive CD4 % is normal, but naive CD8 % is elevated. All other CD8 components (effector memory, etc. are low).

I have only read that it indicates an “unstable” or impaired immune system, or can indicate “nervous system conditions” (
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=cd4_cd8_ratio).

I’d appreciate any information.

 

[Lidia]

bump

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

A raised CD8 count does not necessarily mean anything much. Unstable or impaired immune systems does not mean a lot either. The one specific situation I am aware of is when there is an increase in large CD8 cells called large granular lymphocytes. These cells carry a receptor called CD16, which means they can be activated in certain autoimmune conditions. The example I am aware of is subset of people with rheumatoid arthritis where the cells are proabably activated by immune complexes. An increase in large granular lymphocytes can also occur in people without any obvious autoimmune disease - but it may be unclear why.

An autoantibody screen would be relevant, as would any coexisting conditions that might link to CD8 cells. A specific opinion really needs the full clinical context.

 

[Lidia]

Thank you @Jonathan Edwards.