Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is accompanied by increased circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) and increased susceptibility to severe infections, which were also shown to entail a striking induction of FOXP3 expression in Tregs. As homeostasis of the most suppressive CD45RA(-)FOXP3(high) activated Treg (aTreg) subset differs, it is critical to analyse homeostatic signalling in Treg subsets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, by using conventional and imaging flow cytometry, we monitored STAT5 signalling/phosphorylation (pSTAT5) and investigated Treg subsets in relation to the Binet stage, the total tumor mass score (TTM) and the disease course during a follow-up of 37 patients with CLL. RESULTS: The aTreg percentage was significantly increased among CD4(+) T cells from patients with advanced disease and significantly correlated with the TTM. A subgroup of patients with higher aTreg percentages among CD4(+)FOXP3(+) T cells at the start of therapy was characterised by more frequent episodes of severe infections during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggesting that an aTreg fraction could represent a possible marker of a severe disease course with infectious complications. Augmented homeostatic STAT5 signalling could support aTreg expansion, as higher pSTAT5 levels were significantly correlated with an increased aTreg frequency among CD4(+)FOXP3(+) T cells during the follow-up of patients on therapy, as well as following SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific stimulation in vitro.