Immune markers in the RASopathy neurofibromatosis type 1

Impaired immunity in NF1 patients. Nf +/- might induce the TGF-beta and IL-4 from CD4 + T cells. Decreased frequency of CD4 + T cells in NF1 patients are more activated (increased HLA-DR) and produce more IL-4 (Th2) and TGF-beta (immunosupressive). These cells might suppress the frequency of monocytes (CD14 +/CD16 +) expressing inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. The CD86 (B7-2) expressing monocytes might interact with CTLA-4 and induces apoptosis from CD4 + T cells.154