Differential responses to mutagens among human lymphocyte subpopulations

Many previous studies have described differential responses to mutagens among human lymphocyte subpopulations. However, there are some confusing data about the sensitivity to mutagens among lymphocyte subpopulations. In this paper we review the studies published to date reporting differential responses among CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, B-cells and NK-cells exposed to different mutagens, using different assay methods, such as micronuclei (MN), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE), and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). These methods are mostly used for genetic biomonitoring of human populations exposed to potential mutagens. Thus, this review may provide a reference of target cells sensitive to mutagens that will be useful for genetic biomonitoring of human populations.