monocytes were recorded by standard procedures using the ABX Pentra DX 120
(Horiba, United Kingdom/Germany). Furthermore, T-cell (CD3), T-helper cells
(CD4), T-cytotoxic cells (CD8), B-lymphocytes (CD19), NK (CD16/56) cells and
CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (CD4-RTE) absolute counts were performed by a
single-platform no-lyse-no-wash procedure. Fifty μl EDTA anti-coagulated
peripheral blood were incubated in TRUCount tubes (BD Biosciences, Denmark) with
a panel of conjugated monoclonal antibodies. The following combinations of
antibodies were used to characterize T cells as CD4 T cells (CD3-PerCP (clone
SK7), CD4-FITC (clone SK3), CD8 T cells (CD3-PerCP (clone SK7), CD8-PE (clone
SK1)) and CD4-RTE (recent thymic immigrant) cells as (CD3-ECD (clone UCHT1),
CD4-PC7 (clone SFCT12T4D11), CD31-PE (clone WM59), CD45RA-FITC (clone L48), and
CD45RO-PC5 (clone UCHL1), NK cells as (CD45-PerCP (clone 2D1), CD16/56-PE (clone
B73.1 + NCAM16.2), and CD3-FITC (clone SK7)), and B cells as (CD19-PE (clone
4G7), CD45-PerCP (clone 2D1)) (BD Biosciences, Beckman Coulter and AbD Serotec,
Denmark). The samples were measured on FC500 flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter,
Denmark). The laboratory participates in the quality assurance program by
National External Quality Assessment Site (NEQAS).