Conclusions
The present study used RT-qPCR to
analyze TRECs levels in 475 healthy children of different ages in China.
This is the largest population of healthy children to be analyzed in
China. We established reference values for TRECs and quantified trends
in TRECs levels according to age and sex. We provide solid data showing
a correlation between CD4 naïve T cell counts and TRECs levels according
to age. Postnatal factors such as nutrition and hormone levels induce
rapid changes in the phenotype of CD4 naïve T cells. We also showed that
TRECs levels are of clinical utility by quantifying them in patients
with WAS, APDS, or STAT1 mutations, in patients post-HSCT, and in
patients with secondary immunodeficiency disease. Although the methods
used to measure and detect TRECs differ between laboratories (which will
lead to differences in TRECs levels in the same individual), it is still
meaningful to establish a TRECs reference value within a consistent
environment. Our institution is the main PID diagnosis and treatment
center in China; therefore, such a reference value system will enable
prompt screening of PIDs in a timely manner.