What Are T-Cell Related Lymphocyte Deficiencies?
T-cell related lymphocyte deficiencies are a group of inherited (genetic) conditions where a baby is born with a decreased immune system.
The immune system fights infections. The immune system uses special white blood cells called lymphocytes to fight against germs that invade the body. Lymphocytes include T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
Babies with T-cell related lymphocyte deficiencies, either do not have T cells, have a decreased number of T cells, or have T cells that do not work normally. There are several types of T-cell related lymphocyte deficiencies, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and ataxia-telangiectasia. All types have low and/or abnormal T-cells but the different types may affect different parts of the body. When the cause of the T-cell deficiency is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic T-cell lymphopenia.
If the immune system is weak, your baby’s body has trouble fighting infections. They can get sick from germs that do not infect people with working immune systems, leading to the signs and symptoms of the condition. Without treatment and special protection from germs, T-cell related lymphocyte deficiencies can lead to life-threatening illness or death.
- It is estimated that approximately 1000 babies are born with the most common form of this condition, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, each year in the United States.
- It is estimated that fewer than 100 babies are born with another form of this condition, ataxia-telangiectasia, each year in the United States.
Source: U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration