Evaluation of CD14 and CD16 in patients with β-Thalassemia and their correlations with monocytes function

BACKGROUND: β-thalassemia (BT) comprises a group of genetic disorders characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of β-globin chains, essential components of hemoglobin. This defect leads to decreased hemoglobin levels, anemia, and a spectrum of clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD14 and CD16 in patients with BT and to assess their correlations with monocytes function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and July 2025, enrolling 90 participants. Fifty patients with BT and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Peripheral blood levels of CD14 and CD16 were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Differential leukocyte counts showed a significant increase in monocytes and a significant decrease in granulocytes, with no significant difference in lymphocyte counts between patients and controls. Flow cytometry revealed universal CD14 positivity but significantly lower mean fluorescence intensity in patients compared to controls ( P = 0.0001). CD16 expression was dim in 15 of 50 patients and undetectable in controls. These findings indicate altered monocyte subset activation alongside typical hematological abnormalities in BT. CONCLUSION: Patients with BT exhibit characteristic anemia accompanied by systemic immune alterations, particularly involving monocytes and granulocytes. These changes reflect ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic inflammation, underscoring the need for close clinical monitoring and comprehensive patient management.