The T4/T8 ratio is looked upon as the barometer of the immune system. This critical ratio looks at the relationship between helper (T4) and suppressor”(T8) T-cells. Like everything else in your body, they are delicately balanced, with the helper cells prodding parts of the immune system to action, and the suppressor cells guarding against overaction. Too few helper cells, and your immune system may fail to respond adequately to an antigen. Too few suppressor cells, and your immune system may turn on you. When this happens, you may contract an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Results: Ordinarily, there are almost two T4 (helper) cells for every one T8 (suppressor) cell. A range of ratios, between 1.6 and 1.8 T4 to one T8, is considered a good balance between the two types of cells.
Lower ratios, 1.5 to 1 down to 1.0 to 1, may be seen with various viral diseases that are knocking the immune system back. Generally, ratios below 1.0 to 1 are seen with a battered immune system.
An elevated T4/T8 ratio may point to an autoimmune disease, inflammatory response, infection, allergy or other disorders.
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