Correlation between the NRS-2002 score and PD-1/CTLA-4 levels in patients with CAP

Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status, immunosuppression mediated by PD-1/CTLA-4 which expressed on T cells and prognosis in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods According to the enrollment strategy, we enrolled 60 participants and collected their medical records. Collecting their blood samples, and exploring the distributions of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in different T-cell subgroups. Results Elevated levels of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on CD4 ⁺ T cells (CD4 ⁺ ), CD8 ⁺ T cells (CD8 ⁺ ) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) cells were associated with the occurrance of SCAP, higher mortality, and increased Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) scores. The malnutrition risk group (nutritional risk scring(NRS)-2002 score ≥ 3) exhibited a higher proportion of SCAP cases, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality when compared with the no-risk group. Higher PD-1/CTLA-4 levels were observed in the malnutrition risk group. Conclusion Malnutrition status prolonged hospitalization and increased the risk of severe CAP (SCAP). Higher PD-1 and CTLA-4 levels were associated with a higher PSI score. Nutritional status influences the occurrence of immunosuppression, and malnutrition status may increase the risk of immunosuppression, which is regulated by PD-1 and CTLA-4.