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Regulatory T-cells in children with generalized epilepsy: a case–control study

Research Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, with emerging evidence suggesting a role for immune dysregulation, particularly involving regulatory T-cells (Tregs), in its pathogenesis. However, data on the Tregs profile in children with generalized epilepsy remain limited. This study aimed to compare peripheral Tregs levels and immune profiles in a cohort of Egyptian children with newly diagnosed generalized epilepsy to those of healthy controls. A case–control study was conducted involving 45 children with epilepsy and 45 healthy controls. Tregs and other immune markers were quantified using multicolor flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β were measured via ELISA. Children with epilepsy exhibited significantly lower percentages of CD4 + CD25 + highFoxp3⁺ Tregs (1.95% ± 0.7%) compared to controls (3.1% ± 0.9%, p < 0.001). Additionally, CD4⁺ T-cells were reduced (34% ± 2.9% vs. 41.2% ± 3.7%, p = 0.01), whereas CD8⁺ T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells were elevated in the epilepsy group. IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6) were significantly higher in the epilepsy group than in controls. Conclusion: Immune dysregulation, characterized by reduced Tregs percentages and altered lymphocyte distribution, and a dual pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, may be associated with the pathophysiology of generalized epilepsy in children. Our results support further investigations into immunomodulatory strategies targeting Tregs restoration as potential disease-modifying interventions.

Research Authors
Khaled Saad, Eman F. Gad, Samaher Taha, Mohamed Gamil M. Abo-Elela, Sherin A. Taha, Amira H. El-Ashry, Abdelrahman N. Abdelal, Kawashty Ragab Mohamed, Abd-El-Monem M. Hassan, Amira Elhoufey, Soha A. Hussain, Anas Elgenidi, Abdulrahman A. Al‑Atram, Wesam M
Research Date
Research Journal
European Journal of Pediatrics
Research Pages
785
Research Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
184
Research Website
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-025-06609-4
Research Year
2025