T-cell Depletion (TCD)

T-cell depletion (TCD) refers to the process of removing or reducing T cells from a biological sample, most commonly in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or immune modulation therapies. T cells are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, and their removal can significantly alter immune responses. In allogeneic HSCT, removing donor T cells from grafts reduces GVHD risk but may also impair beneficial immune functions. In HIV infection, CD4+ T cell depletion is a hallmark event that leads to immunodeficiency through apoptosis and pyroptosis. In cancer therapy, selective depletion of specific T cell subsets is being explored to enhance anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

T cell depletionT lymphocyte depletionT-lymphocyte depletion

Varied depending on the method used: antibody-mediated cell lysis or removal (e.g., via magnetic beads), complement-dependent cytotoxicity, or induction of apoptosis. In HIV, viral-mediated depletion through pyroptosis.