Immune Imbalance in Sickle Cell Anemia: Flow Cytometric Insights Into Regulatory T Cells and Neutrophil Dynamics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate immunophenotypic alterations in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and neutrophil dynamics in adult sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients during painful crises and steady state. METHODS: Tregs and related subsets. Hematological parameters were evaluated by complete blood counts. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, multiple regression, and ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: percentages as strong classifiers of disease state. CONCLUSION: Tregs, SCA is marked by impaired T cell activation and sustained innate immune activation. These immune shifts may relate to but do not directly determine end-organ complications. Functional assays and longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate Treg competence, hydroxyurea effects, and age-related immune changes in SCA.