Recovery of CD4⁺ T-cell subsets over time in SLE patients treated by immunoablation and ASCT versus levels in age-matched healthy controls. (A) CD45RO⁺ CD45RA⁻ CD4⁺ T-cell frequencies (median values) in patients (○, •) versus controls (hc, ▿, n = 28). The patient represented by closed symbols had a complete relapse 18 months after ASCT (patient 3); data after the flare (■) were excluded from statistical considerations. A Mann-Whitney U test was used for group comparison; a paired t test was performed to compare pre-ASCT data and corresponding post-ASCT data (*P < .05, **P < .005, ***P < .001). (B) Absolute counts of CD45RA⁺ CD45RO⁻ naive (□) and CD45RO⁺ CD45RA⁻ memory (■) CD4⁺ T cells (median values and ranges) in patients versus controls (hc, n = 28). (C) CD31 expression on CD45RA⁺ CD45RO⁻ CD4⁺ T cells (median values) in patients versus controls (hc, n = 28). (D) Absolute counts of CD45RA⁺ CD31^+thymicnaive CD4⁺ T cells (median values) in patients versus controls (hc, n = 28).