T cells and B cells in chronic renal failure.

Recent knowledge into the pathophysiological mechanisms mediating the immune abnormalities characteristic of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has focused on the dual activation versus deficiency state of immunocompetent cells. Despite major advances in renal replacement therapy, notably hemodialysis, no significant improvement in the immune status of uremic patients has been achieved. After a brief review of the role of T cells and B cells in the normal immune response, the functional and phenotypic T and B cell abnormalities observed in uremic patients are presented. Special emphasis is placed on our recent findings indicating that these abnormalities are observed at an early stage in the course of chronic renal failure, worsen with the progression of uremia, and are exacerbated by the dialysis procedure. The previous hypotheses that could reconcile the so-called Janus-faced behavior of T cells in uremia are updated in light of the recent findings obtained in the search of therapeutic strategies that could counteract the impaired responsiveness of patients with ESRD to vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Perspectives of research aimed at elucidating the respective role of T helper cell subpopulations (Th1 and Th2) could contribute to understanding of the mechanisms of the multifaceted process of uremia-related immune dysregulation and of the rationale for possible immunointervention strategies.