Variations in T Lymphocyte Subsets in IgA Nephropathy

Berger’s disease is an IgA nephropathy characterized by irregular hematuria and variable proteinuria (1). Generally considered as benign, it may neverthless progress towards chronic renal failure (2). Though its pathogenesis is unknown, IgA serum levels are important. This immunoglobulin acts on the mucosal surface protecting towards the antigens. The mechanism leading to deposition of IgA containing immune complexes at renal level and activation of C3 and properdine factors is not known (3). Recently, several authors investigated some aspects of the immune regulation of these patients and discovered a reduced activity of T-suppressor cells, a high activity of the T-helper IgA specific cells, and consequently an altered 0KT4/0KT8 ratio (4,5).These results are controversial because of the different variables involved in immune regulation. To evaluate this aspect, we studied the lymphocyte subsets in patients with IgA nephropathy before, during and after immunosuppressive treatment.