Impact of diabetes on CD4 expression in T lymphocytes: A comparative analysis postCovishield vaccination

Abstract

Objective

Diabetic individuals often exhibit altered immune responses, which may impact vaccine efficacy. This prospective observational cohort study aimed to assess and compare CD4 expression in T lymphocytes between diabetic individuals and healthy controls one month following the first (prime) dose of the Covishield vaccine.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 5 diabetic individuals and 5 healthy controls. Flow cytometry was employed to measure CD3 and CD4 expression, with a gating strategy that identified lymphocytes, excluded doublets, and gated CD3 + and CD4 + cells.

Results

The study found that CD4 expression in T lymphocytes was significantly lower in diabetic individuals (Mean ± SD: 44.4 ± 6.4) compared to healthy controls (Mean ± SD: 66.092 ± 9.7), with a p-value of 0.009. This reduction in CD4 expression could potentially impair B cell activation and antibody production, consistent with prior reports of delayed seroconversion in diabetic patients.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that lower CD4 expression in diabetic individuals may impact their immune response to the Covishield vaccine. This aligns with previous studies indicating compromised T-cell responses and delayed antibody production in diabetic individuals post-vaccination. Further research with larger cohorts, additional immunological markers, and extended follow-up is necessary to validate these observations and provide a deeper understanding of vaccine responses in diabetic individuals.