Flow cytometric analysis of T-cell subsets and platelet surface markers in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: a case-control study.

Authors

Merve Kara, Pelin Aytan, Cemil Gülüm, Mehmet Burak Yavuz Çimen

Published in

Annals of hematology. Jul 06, 2026. Epub Jul 06, 2026.

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. The role of T-cell subsets and platelet surface markers in ITP pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. To evaluate T-cell subpopulations and platelet surface marker expression in patients with chronic ITP compared with healthy controls using flow cytometry. This prospective case-control study included 26 chronic ITP patients and 25 healthy controls from the Hematology Department of Mersin University Hospital. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to assess CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD25+, CD45RA+, CD62L-, and platelet surface markers including CD41, CD42, and CD61. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. ITP patients demonstrated significantly lower platelet counts (97,038 ± 64,596 vs. 256,920 ± 48,873/µL, p < 0.001) and higher mean platelet volume values (11.67 ± 1.46 vs. 10.46 ± 0.77 fL, p = 0.001) compared with healthy controls. CD45RA+/CD4 + ratios were significantly lower in ITP patients (10.52 ± 5.88 vs. 14.45 ± 7.21%, p = 0.038). CD62L- expression was also decreased in the ITP group (51.50 ± 12.16 vs. 60.68 ± 8.40%, p = 0.003). Among platelet surface markers, CD41 and CD61 expressions were significantly reduced in ITP patients compared with controls (p < 0.001 for both). Although CD42 expression did not differ significantly between the overall groups, subgroup analysis demonstrated significantly lower CD42 expression in patients with platelet counts below 30,000/µL (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates alterations in T-cell differentiation markers and platelet surface glycoproteins in patients with chronic ITP. Reduced CD45RA+/CD4 + ratios, altered CD62L expression, and decreased CD41 and CD61 levels suggest ongoing immune dysregulation and abnormal platelet biology in these patients. Further longitudinal and functional studies are needed to clarify the mechanistic and clinical significance of these findings.

PMID:
42406108
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 06 Jul 2026.

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