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Suppressor T-lymphocytes (CD8) in blood

Medical expert of the article

Pediatric immunologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Normally, the relative amount of suppressor T-lymphocytes in the blood of adults is 17-37%, the absolute amount is 0.3-0.7×10 9 /l.

Suppressor T-lymphocytes suppress the body's immune response, they inhibit the production of antibodies (of various classes) due to the delay in the proliferation and differentiation of B-lymphocytes, as well as the development of delayed-type hypersensitivity. With a normal immune response to the entry of a foreign antigen into the body, the maximum activation of T-suppressors is observed after 3-4 weeks.

An increase in the number of CD8 lymphocytes in the blood indicates immune deficiency, a decrease indicates hyperactivity of the immune system. The ratio of helpers and suppressors in the peripheral blood, the CD4/CD8 index, is of primary importance in assessing the state of the immune system. A decrease in the function of T-suppressors leads to the predominance of the stimulating effect of T-helpers, including those B-lymphocytes that produce "normal" autoantibodies. In this case, their number can reach a critical level, which can cause damage to the body's own tissues. This mechanism of damage is characteristic of the development of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.


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