Update on the aetiopathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea: Role of inflammatory and immune mediated mechanisms

Table 2 Immune cell and obstructive sleep apnea

Immune cells	Effect
Monocyte	There were significant alterations in the distribution of monocyte subsets in response to OSAS, characterized by an increase in intermediate and non-classical monocytes and a decrease in classical monocytes[12]
Neutrophils	OSA is independently associated with increased neutrophil counts and inflammation[38]
B-lymphocytes	When B cells are depleted or dysregulated, it can lead to an imbalance in the immune system, potentially resulting in increased inflammation as seen in OSA[38]
T-lymphocytes	There is an imbalance of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in individuals with OSAS, with a high proportion of CD8+ cells and a low proportion of CD4+ cells. These changes are dependent on the AHI[38]
Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio	NLR increases and is directly correlates with AHI[28]

AHI: Apnea–hypopnea index; OSA: Obstructive sleep apnea; NLR: Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio.