Hunan T cell subpopulations in normal and pathologic conditions

Allicin May Promote Reversal of T-Cell Dysfunction in Periodontitis via the PD-1 Pathway

We evaluated the role of allicin in periodontitis using an in silico and in vitro design. An in silico docking analysis was performed to assess the plausible interactions between allicin and PD-L1. The cytokine profile of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples obtained from periodontitis patients was estimated by cytometric bead array. CD3+ lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood were sorted and characterized using immunomagnetic techniques. Cultured and expanded lymphocytes were treated with the GCF samples to induce T-cell exhaustion. Optimum concentrations of allicin were added to exhausted lymphocytes to compare the expression of TIM-3 and LAG-3 gene expression at baseline and post-treatment. Allicin was found to bind to the PD-L1 molecule as revealed by the in-silico experiment, which is possibly an inhibitory interaction although not proven. GCF from periodontitis patients had significantly higher concentrations of TNF-α, CCL2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and CXCL8 than controls. GCF treatment of CD3+ lymphocytes from the periodontitis patients significantly increased expression of T-cell exhaustion markers TIM-3 and LAG-3. Allicin administration with GCF treatment resulted in significant lowering of the expression of exhaustion markers. Allicin may exert an immunostimulatory role and reverse immune-destructive mechanisms such as T-cell exhaustion.

Is cytoimmunological monitoring a safe follow-up method for heart transplantation patients?

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to show the effects of cytoimmunological monitoring and its role in the patient's follow-up period after heart transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2002 and 2009, 8 patients underwent heart transplantation at Gulhane Military Medical Academy Hospital. Seven patients were male. The average age was 43 ± 12 years. Donor hearts were implanted orthotopically in all patients. The patients were then subjected to cytoimmunological monitoring and endomyocardial biopsy. 431 laboratory blood tests were carried out for all patients to analyze their cytoimmunological profiles and diagnose a possible infection or rejection.

RESULTS

The total and average follow-up periods were 17.5 patient years and 30 ± 36 months (1-120 months), respectively. The first patient had two rejection episodes in 3 months. A viral infection was diagnosed in the third patient, who had painful muscle spasms in both lower limbs and the CD4/CD8 ratio was below 0.4. In the fourth patient, the CD4/CD8 ratio suddenly increased and a urinary infection was diagnosed. Only one patient passed away in the early period (less than 30 days). Four patients died because of an infection or hemodynamic deterioration within three months.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoimmunological monitoring is a simple and effective technique of evaluating the patient's immunological profile. It may provide an adjunctive laboratory test and may decrease the number of endomyocardial biopsies.

Lymphocyte Differentiation in the Nasal Mucosa

Few cytological studies have investigated the morphologic changes occurring during lymphocyte differentiation in the nose. The aim of the study is to investigate lymphocyte and plasma cell morphology in patients with allergic rhinitis. Nasal cytology was performed in 110 patients (61 men, 49 women) of ages ranging from 12 to 47 years (mean age, 27), 72 of whom were affected by pollen allergic rhinitis (32 allergic to olive, 21 to Parietaria, 13 to grasses, and 6 to cypress) and 38 by perennial allergic rhinitis (allergy to house dust mites). Cytological samples were obtained by scraping with Rhino-Probe™. The samples were collected from the inferior middle turbinate. After fixing and drying, the samples were stained and counted. Cells belonging to the lymphocyte-plasma cell lineage were analyzed. Within this population, 5 different cellular types were identified displaying particular morphologic features of the nucleus and the cytoplasm. These morphological variants constitute various functional stages of B lymphocytes. In allergic inflammation, antigen stimulation induces B lymphocytes to differentiate and become plasma cells. The findings from this strictly morphological study will need to be confirmed by immunohistochemical and immunophenotypic studies.

Phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lymphocytes in control and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affected horses, before and after 'natural (hay and straw) challenges'

Phenotypic analysis of lymphocytes in peripheral blood (PB) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of control and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affected horses, both before and after 'natural (hay and straw) challenge', were performed using immunofluorescent labelling with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. BALF lymphocytes were shown to be predominantly EqCD5+ cells, approximately half of which were also EqCD8+, with a smaller proportion of B cells. In comparison with PB, BALF contained higher proportions of EqCD5+ cells and EqCD8+ cells and a lower proportion of B cells. Horses with asymptomatic COPD had a higher proportion of BALF B cells and a lower proportion of BALF EqCD5+CD8- cells (considered to be predominantly EqCD4+ cells) than controls. Hay and straw challenge increased the ratio of BALF EqCD5+CD8- cells and reduced the ratio of BALF EqCD8+ cells in COPD affected horses, but not in controls. This finding is similar to the pulmonary recruitment of CD4+ cells reported for human asthmatics following allergen challenges.

Subpopulations of T alpha cells in patients with IgA nephropathy: correlation between T alpha 4 cells and in vitro IgA production

T cells play important roles in the regulation of the immune system and are divided into subpopulations by various kinds of markers on the membrane surface. T cells with Fc-receptors for IgA are termed T alpha cells, and the properties of this cell population have been revealed in recent years. T alpha cells are increased in patients with IgA nephropathy and possess IgA specific helper activity. T alpha cells consist of two subpopulations, T alpha cells with OKT4 antigen (T alpha 4 cells) and with OKT8 antigen (T alpha 8 cells). To investigate the immunological aberrations in patients with IgA nephropathy, we detected immunoglobulin produced by peripheral blood lymphocytes and enumerated the numbers of T alpha cells (including both T alpha 4 and T alpha 8 cells). The numbers of T alpha 4 cells (but not T alpha 8 cells) and in vitro IgA production were increased in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgA nephropathy, mean 1.9%. Control, mean 0.8%. P = 0.0075). In addition, the numbers of T alpha 4 cells and the amount of IgA in the supernatant of lymphocyte cultures were positively correlated in these patients (P = 0.025. r = 0.3836). From the results in the present study, it was suggested that T alpha 4 cells might be related to immunological aberrations, such as an increase in IgA seen in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Fc receptor-bearing T cells and Ig binding factors as class-specific suppressors of polyclonally activated human B cells

By studying the model of polyclonal activation of PBMC from healthy adult humans, selective suppression of the generation of cIgG+ or cIgA+ cells could be achieved by T gamma and T alpha cells activated by Agg-IgG and Agg-IgA, respectively. Furthermore a comparable class-specific suppression was achieved by addition of IgG-BF or IgA-BF released by various cell types including T-enriched PBMC suspensions, B cells or monocytes. The latter effect required the presence of radiosensitive T cells. Whereas T gamma and T alpha cells activated by Agg-Ig inhibited the generation of cIg+ and Ig-secreting cells of the matching class, Ig-BFs were shown to act at a transitional stage of B cell maturation by blocking cIg+ generation and/or proliferation, without impairing Ig secretion by fully differentiated plasma cells. Yet another lectin-like factor, termed BMIF, released by FcR- as well as by FcR+ lymphoid or nonlymphoid cells (e.g. polymorphonuclear neutrophils), could block the maturation of cIg+ into Ig-secreting plasma cells. Unlike Ig-BF, BMIF was not isotype specific. Cells and lymphokines which control the initial stages of B cell activation and differentiation have been extensively investigated but little is known at present about the regulation of the progression from cIg+B blasts to fully differentiated plasma cells. Sequential determination of cIg+ blasts, plasma cells, PFC, and Ig secretion in polyclonally activated PBMC cultures shows an orderly sequence of appearance and decrease of cells at these different stages, suggesting that up and down regulatory signals control each step. Furthermore the demonstration of suppressor pathways which affect B cell maturation at precise transitional stages provides further indirect evidence towards a sequential regulation of each successive differentiation event. In view of the heterogeneity of FcRs with respect to subclass specificity, affinity, cell type distribution and structure, much remains to be done to elucidate the precise regulatory functions of those molecules in the late stages of B cell maturation. From our studies it would appear that some types of Ig-BF would ensure the recognition of Fc determinants on B cell sIg, but still require T cell, and possibly other factors produced by those cells, to alter B cell maturation. This is in keeping with several models in which isotype specific T cells, but not the Ig-BFs thereof, were shown to regulate B cell differentiation.

Inherited immunoregulatory dysfunction in extrinsic bronchial asthma

We studied 119 members of 22 asthmatic multiplex families. Included were: 44 parents (seven were asthmatics), 48 asthmatics (23 were undergoing an attack at the time of sampling), and 27 normal siblings. The following investigations were carried out on all subjects: 1) detection of total T lymphocytes, helper cells, and suppressor cells, using monoclonal antibodies (OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8), 2) study of nonspecific T-lymphocyte blast transformation induced by PHA, and 3) HLA-A, B, and DR antigen determination using the microcytotoxicity technique. The results were compared with normal ranges and data for a normal group and statistically and genetically analyzed. They indicate that: 1) the number of T cells was low in asymptomatic asthmatics and normal in asthmatics in attack; 2) there were fewer helper and normal suppressor cells (that is, a low H:S ratio) in asymptomatic asthmatics, and a normal amount of helper and suppressor cells (a normal H:S ratio) in those experiencing an attack; 3) there was a percentage of lymphocyte transformation in both groups of asthmatics; 4) whereas the T-helper cells increased, there was no change in the number of suppressor cells during an attack, which points to deficient function of suppressor cells; 5) the disorder is inherited and the gene controlling this dysfunction is HLA-linked and probably dominant.

Immunobiology of the expanded T cells in T-cell leukemia and T-gamma lymphocytosis

A review is presented of functional studies performed with the expanded T cells in Sézary syndrome, T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL), T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma (ATLL), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T gamma lymphocytosis. The immunological and clinical relevance of immunological studies of functional properties of T-cell expansions is discussed.

Light chain isotype associated suppression of surface immunoglobulin expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes in myeloma during plateau phase

Light chain isotype suppression in multiple myeloma has been reported in the plasma cells of the lamina propria of the gut (Leonard et al, 1979). In this paper we present further evidence of systemic suppression of the light chain isotype of the paraprotein expressed on normal peripheral blood lymphocytes in myeloma. Twenty patients with myeloma in plateau phase were monitored over 6 months for the expression of either kappa or lambda light chains on the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes using monoclonal antibodies. The surface markers were analysed on an Ortho Spectrum III flow cytometer. Results of these studies indicate a selective suppression of the cells expressing the light chain isotype of the paraprotein in stable myeloma. Thus, in kappa myeloma there is a low kappa/lambda ratio and in lambda myeloma there is a high kappa/lambda ratio, and this suppression is lost with progressive disease.

Recent progresses in the phenotypic and functional characterization of human cytolytic T lymphocytes

Over the past several years, a number of major advances have been made in our understanding of the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of human T lymphocytes. Most of these advances have resulted from: 1. the availability of monoclonal antibodies directed to T cell surface antigens; 2. the development of sensitive microassays to measure lymphocyte function in vitro; 3. the refining of T cell cloning technology. The most relevant studies in delineating how human T cell functions have been based on the analysis of T cell clones with specific cytolytic activity. These studies allowed the recent molecular definition of structures serving as specific antigen receptor on T cells as well as the understanding of the role of accessory molecules involved in specific receptor activity such as T3, T8 and T4 antigens. The development of microculture conditions allowing clonal proliferation of all human T lymphocytes, whether resting or activated, has provided a major tool for the precise definition of the frequency and subset distribution of T cells with different functional capabilities. Studies along this line have shown that precursors of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL-P) represent about one third of peripheral blood human T lymphocytes; in addition, all T8+ were CTL-P, whereas CTL-P were relatively rare among normal T4+ lymphocytes. As much as 20% cytolytic T lymphocytes were found to be capable to release interleukin-2 and B cell growth factor, thus indicating that cytolytic and helper function may be associated at the single cell level.

Modulation of pokeweed mitogen-induced human B-cell differentiation by aggregated IgG

The modulatory effect of human heat-aggregated IgG on human B-cell differentiation induced by pokeweed mitogen was investigated with three experimental protocols. Pulse exposure to aggregated IgG, followed by extensive washings before culture, of peripheral blood mononuclear cell suspensions rigorously depleted of platelets and containing less than 4% monocytes resulted in a selective decrease of the numbers of IgG-containing cells and IgG-secreting cells, whereas a simultaneous decrease of the numbers of cells producing IgG and, to a lesser extent, of those producing IgM or IgA was observed when the pulsed suspensions contained platelets and more than 4% monocytes. This non-isotype-specific suppression was shown to be more pronounced when aggregated IgG and platelets were present in the cell suspensions throughout the cultures. The results suggest that two distinct suppressor pathways can be triggered by aggregated IgG. The first one is restricted to cells producing the matching isotype, in the absence of platelets, with few monocytes in the cell suspensions. The second one leads to a nonspecific suppression of the three major Ig classes. It requires the presence of platelets and/or a high percentage of monocytes and, although it remains to be demonstrated, is probably mediated by prostaglandin E2.

A quantitative comparison of T-cell subsets in Hodgkin's disease and reactive hyperplasia. Frozen section immunohistochemistry

Cryostat sections of lymph nodes from patients with Hodgkin's disease were stained with monoclonal antibodies reactive with T-cells including T-cell subsets. Lymph nodes showing reactive hyperplasia were used as controls. Using an eyepiece grid, the stained cells were counted and subset ratios determined. The ratio of helper T-cells to cytotoxic/suppressor T-cells, i.e., (formula; see text) in Hodgkin's disease was found to be significantly different from ratios obtained from reactive nodes. This difference may be explained by a relative increase in cytotoxic/suppressor T-cells and/or a decrease in helper T-cells. This finding may relate to the previously reported increase in suppressor cell activity in patients with Hodgkin's disease and may also correlate with diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity in such patients.

Changes in T-lymphocyte subpopulations after antigenic bronchial provocation in asthmatics

To determine whether inhaled agents can alter T-cell subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with bronchial asthma, we tested six asymptomatic asthmatics who were sensitive to mixed grass (positive skin test) with mixed grass extract, methacholine, and an antigen to which they were not sensitized (negative skin test). Levels of OKT4 cells (helper T lymphocytes) were reduced in the peripheral blood immediately after the challenge with mixed grass extract, and remained low for at least 72 hours. Levels of Ia-positive (activated) T cells were increased 48 hours after the challenge. No changes were observed in any of these T-cell subpopulations after challenge with methacholine or after the inhalation of an equal amount of an antigen to which the subjects were not sensitized. These results suggest that the selective loss of circulating helper T cells and an increase in activated T cells after an asthmatic attack induced by antigenic inhalation may serve as an indicator of immune-mediated bronchoconstriction.

Effect of dental amalgam and nickel alloys on T-lymphocytes: preliminary report

Preliminary data suggest that dental amalgam and dental nickel alloys can adversely affect the quantity of T-lymphocytes. Human T-lymphocytes can recognize specific antigens, execute effector functions, and regulate the type and intensity of virtually all cellular and humoral immune responses. Normal immune function depends on a proper quantity, quality, and ratio of T-lymphocyte helper and suppressor subsets. Further research may determine the frequency and magnitude of T-lymphocyte reduction and alteration by dental materials.

Incidence of T cell subset imbalance in relatives of Graves' disease patients

In previous reports we demonstrated imbalances of T cell subsets in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. In the present investigation, we studied several T cell markers with different functional meaning (Fc gamma-receptors, HLA-Ia antigens, MLR4 and 5/9 antigens) in first degree relatives of Graves' disease patients. Our data suggest that imbalances of circulating T cell subpopulations are apparent only when abnormal hormone levels and/or thyroid autoantibodies are present.

Effect of sera from patients with Hodgkin's disease on normal donor lymphocytes containing parallel tubular structures

Normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells incubated for 24 h with sera from patients with Hodgkin's disease were investigated by electron microscopy for the presence of parallel tubular structures (PTS) and/or amorphous electrondense granules (large granular lymphocytes = LGL). In comparison with normal human serum, 14 out of 29 sera of the patients induced a marked increase in the percentage of LGL. From a limited number of experiments it was likely that this increase is paralleled by an increase in Fcgamma receptor-bearing cells after the incubation. This serum effect did not show a correlation with the number of Fcgamma receptor-positive lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the patients. A difference in the induction effect could be demonstrated between the sera from patients with a favourable and those with an unfavourable clinical course, but this distinction was not absolute. The presence or absence of splenic involvement by Hodgkin's disease does not apparently influence the effect of the sera. From experiments using sera positive for immune complexes or anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibodies, it seems unlikely that these factors are responsible for the observed increase in LGL.

Regulation of human gut B lymphocytes by T lymphocytes

The aims of this study were first, to assess whether or not immunoglobulin secretion from human gut mucosal B lymphocytes can be modified by T lymphocytes, and second whether human gut mucosal T lymphocytes are capable of regulating mucosal B lymphocyte function. T and B lymphocyte enriched cell populations were isolated from gut mucosa and co-cultured in varying proportions. Addition of T lymphocytes to B enriched mucosal cell populations (ratio B:T = 2:1) showed that mucosal B lymphocytes were responsive to T cell 'help'. Addition of more T cells (ratio B:T = 2:10) suppressed immunoglobulin synthesis.

Circulating T cell subsets in euthyroid Graves' disease

T cell subpopulations recognized by surfaces markers of different functional meaning have been evaluated in 12 female patients with euthyroid Graves' disease and in 2 patients with ophthalmopathy and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We have used the following markers: i) receptors for Fc fragments of IgG; ii) antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibodies MLR4, 5/9, BT 2/9 (anti-DR). In the 12 patients with euthyroid Graves' disease a marked decrease of TG cells (which proved to exert suppressor function in several in vitro systems) was observed, as previously reported in hyperthyroid Graves' disease. The 2 Hashimoto's patients with eye changes had normal or high TG. 5/9+ T cells (which contain cells with helper activity in vitro), as well as MLR4+ and BT 2/9+ cells (activated T cells) were normal in the majority of patients, but elevated in the 2 Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The observed abnormality of TG cells in euthyroid Graves' disease might be consistent with the hypothesized autoimmune pathogenesis of endocrine ophthalmopathy.

Further characterization of mitogen-induced autorosette-forming cells: correlation with T-cell subsets and with lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens

Spontaneous autologous rosette-forming cells (ARFC), which form rosettes with autologous erythrocytes, have been of interest as a subset of thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells). An association of these cells with concanavalin A (Con A)-induced ARFC has been suggested. Furthermore, the Con A-induced ARFC have been shown to be a suppressor T-cell subset in the Con A-generated suppressor system. We have previously reported the induction of ARFC from T cells by several T-cell mitogens such as phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA) and allogeneic non-T cells other than Con A. In the present report, we further characterized the mitogen-induced ARFC and have extended the study to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have found that ARFC are also inducible from peripheral blood T cells by pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Studies of T-cell surface markers on the ARFC using OKT monoclonal antibodies confirmed the induction of ARFC from both OKT4- and OKT8-reactive T cells by either Con A, PHA, or PWM stimulation. However, OKT4-reactive T cells were the major cellular source of the ARFC induced by all of the mitogens. In studies of SLE patients, proportions of both Con A- and PWM-induced ARFC were found to be significantly low in PBL of SLE patients treated with moderate or large doses of prednisone, with or without concomitant immunosuppressants, but not in SLE patients without such treatment. Proportional analysis of the T cells and their subsets suggested association of these alterations in the mitogen-induced ARFC with the OKT4-reactive T cells, since a significant decrease in the OKT4-reactive T-cell subset was demonstrated in the PBL of these patients. Proportions of PHA-induced ARFC, however, were not significantly different between SLE patients and healthy adults. Moreover, positive correlations of the mitogen-induced ARFC with lymphocyte proliferative responses to each mitogen were established in both SLE patients and healthy adults. These results further support our previous observation that suggest the receptors for autologous erythrocytes are enhanced or reexpressed on those T cells which are highly activated by mitogens.

Precultured and fresh human T-cells suppress the mitogen response of autologous lymphocytes

Human T-lymphocytes, after culture at 37 degrees C for 48 h, suppressed the Con A-induced blastogenesis of fresh autologous lymphocytes. Both Fc gamma receptor-positive and -negative T-cell subsets were active as suppressors. Non-T-cells failed to show such a phenomenon. Similarly, freshly isolated T-cells, and Fc gamma receptor-positive T-lymphocytes also suppressed the blastogenic response. Thus, preculture is not required to obtain "suppressor cells". The suppression of mitogen responses therefore seems to be an inherent property of T-cells.

Staphylococcal protein-A is a potent T-cell mitogen of tonsillar lymphocytes

Optimal conditions for the stimulation of human tonsillar lymphocytes by staphylococcal protein-A (SpA) are described. By stimulating fractions enriched or depleted of E-rosette forming cells, the response was shown to be predominantly a T-cell response. A comparison of stimulation by SpA with that of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) proved SpA to be a potent T-cell mitogen. We suggest that SpA may be another useful mitogen for studying human T-cell growth and differentiation.

Leprosy. XII. T-cell subsets in lepromatous leprosy

The authors quantitated T-rosette-forming cell (TRFC) and T-cell subsets (T mu, T gamma) in the peripheral blood of twenty patients with lepromatous leprosy. The results obtained in their studies are as follows: (1) They reconfirmed the low levels of TRFC in patients with lepromatous type of leprosy; (2) T-cell subsets, both T mu (helper) and T gamma (suppressor) cells, showed lower levels in all patients with lepromatous leprosy than mean values of normal healthy controls; (3) The degree of decreased levels of T mu cells (96%) was more severe than other parameters TRFC (70%) and T gamma cells (47%) in all patients with lepromatous leprosy; and (4) It may be concluded that the alteration of the T-cell subset, T mu-cells, reflects a more fundamental abnormality than TRFC aberration in demonstrating the impairment of cell-mediated immunity in patients with lepromatous leprosy.

Surface markers of human T lymphocytes

Surface markers have been extensively used for the identification and fractionation of different sets of human lymphocytes. Although they have proven useful for the identification of different cell subpopulations and for delineating various stages of T cell maturation or activation, there are a number of limitations in their application that should be carefully considered. In most instances, markers which are reported as defining functional subpopulations are not directly involved in the functional capability to be defined. In addition, a precise correlation between surface markers and cell function is difficult if only a small percentage of the cells in a given subset is involved in the functional activity measured. It is also clear that cell activation and differentiation, or mechanisms of cell fractionation, may affect the expression of some surface markers. Moreover, the assumption that functional activities ascribed to cell subsets or to surface markers in vitro are also operating in vivo may be incorrect. Human T cell surface markers can be grouped in various (as well as overlapping) categories, namely those recognizing the total T cell population, those present on T cell subsets and those expressed only on T cells at a given stage of maturation or as a consequence of cell activation. A more precise correlation between the presence of surface markers and the expression of functional activities can be performed by more complex experimental approaches such as the combined use of various markers and the analysis of surface phenotype of T cell clones with defined functional properties. While the study of T cell clones has clearly pointed out the inadequacy of most markers commonly used for identifying functional subsets of T cells, it provides a valuable tool for identifying new markers that may indeed be selective for a given T cell function.

T lymphocyte subpopulations defined by monoclonal antibodies and FC receptor binding in relation to immunosuppression in vaccine-induced rubella infection

Lymphocyte stimulation tests and determination of T lymphocyte subpopulations were undertaken before and 7-11 days after rubella vaccination of healthy subjects. The proliferatory response of blood mononuclear cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and purified protein derivate was suppressed after vaccination, as was the immunoglobulin production of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulated cultures. After removal of phagocytic cells the response to PHA was still suppressed after vaccination in most cases, but when the cultures were depleted of non-T lymphocytes the suppression was no longer demonstrable. The proportion of T lymphocytes with receptors for the Fc part of IgG increased after vaccination, whereas there was no significant change of the T lymphocyte subpopulations identified with monoclonal antibodies directed at the suppressor/cytotoxic or helper T cell subsets.

Immunohistologic studies of cytoplasmic immunoglobulins in rheumatic diseases including two patients with monoclonal patterns and subsequent lymphoma

Tissue specimens from five patients with rheumatic disease who developed lymphadenopathy were studied by an immunoperoxidase method; available biopsy material was examined for cytoplasmic immunoglobulin determinants. Three patients had follicular hyperplasia of lymph nodes with polyclonal patterns. Two patients with Sjogren's syndrome had monoclonal patterns; both of these patients subsequently developed lymphoma with similar monoclonal patterns. Implications of the monoclonal patterns with regard to the biology of these lymphoproliferative disorders are discussed.

Impaired autologous mixed lymphocyte reactivity in Hodgkin's disease

In patients with Hodgkin's disease, the impaired immune reactivity, especially of the thymus dependent system, is well established. This decreased immune response of the lymphocytes from the peripheral blood contrast to an increased lymphocytopoiesis in the the lymphatic organs with a hyperplasia of these tissues. We studied the reactivity of peripheral T lymphocytes from 20 patients with Hodgkin's disease and 26 healthy control persons against autologous and allogeneic non T cells respectively in the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC). Our experiments show an extremely depressed autologous mixed lymphocyte reactivity (MLR) of T lymphocytes from patients with Hodgkin's disease compared to those from normal donors. In the allogeneic MLC, the proliferation of the patients' T cells was stronger than in the autologous MLC, but significant lower than the proliferation of normal T lymphocytes when stimulated by normal non T cells. Patients' non T cells stimulated T lymphocytes from healthy donors as well as non T lymphocytes from normals did. Finally, the autologous MLR of normal lymphocytes was significantly suppressed by 18 of 23 sera from Hodgkin's patients when these sera were substituted for normal AB serum in the cultures. These results demonstrate an impaired function of T lymphocytes from patients with Hodgkin's disease in the autologous MLC and the presence of one or more factors in their serum which inhibit the proliferation of normal lymphocytes in the autologous MLC. The role of suppressor cells and their factors will be discussed.

Differences in lymphoproliferative responses to the bacterium Actinomyces viscosus in various mammalian species

A water-soluble extract of Actinomyces viscosus (AVS) was tested for its capacity to induce DNA synthesis in lymphocytes from man, monkeys, mice and guinea pigs. The results indicated that the AVS induced an in-vitro lymphoproliferative response, as assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation, in mouse-spleen cells, in the majority of human peripheral blood samples tested and in macaque monkey spleen cells. The AVS also elicited a blastogenic response from spleen, lymph node and peripheral blood lymphocytes from guinea pigs immunized with A. viscosus. The AVS did not elicit a lymphoproliferative response from human-cord blood cells, monkey peripheral blood lymphocytes, or peripheral blood and spleen lymphocytes from non-immunized guinea pigs. Thus there was a difference in the ability of A. viscosus to induce DNA synthesis in lymphocytes from the different animal species tested.

T-cell subpopulations in multiple myeloma: correlation with clinical disease status

T-lymphocyte subpopulations bearing Fc receptors for IgM (T mu) or for IgG (T gamma) were studied in blood specimens obtained from 40 normal volunteers and from 16 patients with multiple myeloma. The myeloma patients showed a significant imbalance in T-cell subpopulations characterized by an increase in the percentages of T gamma cells to 30.0 +/- 3.9% (mean +/- SEM) compared with 12.0 +/- 3.0% for the controls (P less than 0.001). The patients exhibited a decreased proportion of T mu cells (13.4 +/- 4.1%) compared with the control value of 55 +/- 7% (P less than 0.001). When the results were analysed according to clinical status it was the patients with indolent or well-controlled disease and not those with progressive disease who exhibited an elevated proportion of T gamma cells. The elevation of T gamma cells or of a subpopulation of suppressor cells should be further studied as a possible mechanism of disease control in multiple myeloma.

T-lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a quantitative and functional study

In the peripheral blood of patients with chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) absolute numbers of E-rosetting lymphocytes were increased. The proportions of TG and TM cell subsets were analyzed, as were their effects on the pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-dependent differentiation of normal allogenic B cells or of autologous leukemic cells. The TG lymphocyte subset was further studied for its cytotoxic activity in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). A marked increase both in percentages and in absolute numbers of TG cells was found. TM lymphocytes percentages were normal, but because of the T lymphocytosis occurring in all patients, the absolute numbers of TM were increased. TM and TG subsets showed helper and suppressor activity, respectively, in PWM-induced B-cell differentiation. TG cells displayed effector cell activity in ADCC. The results provide further evidence that T lymphocytes from patients with B-CLL are functionally normal. However, a noticeable increase of the T-cell subset having suppressor and cytotoxic activity in ADCC was observed. This may be the consequence of a normal immune reaction to the leukemic population.

Lymphoid subpopulations of peripheral blood and spleen in untreated Hodgkin's disease

A panel of monoclonal antibodies with well-defined specificities were used as probes to investigate the phenotypes and lineage of circulating lymphoid cells and splenocytes in untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease. A significant relative and absolute reduction in T cells (anti-T3+) was found only in patients with B-symptoms. There was no alteration in the fraction of helper (anti-T4+) or cytotoxic/suppressor (anti-T5+) T cells circulating in peripheral blood when compared to normals, nor was there activation of these cells as measured by the development of surface Ia (anti-I1+). Circulating T cell subsets were not altered 5 to 14 days after splenectomy. Splenic T cells were increased equally in involved and uninvolved spleen when compared with control spleens obtained from accident victims. These findings indicate that abnormal T cell function in Hodgkin's disease may be the result of subtle alterations in T cells or non-T immunoregulatory mechanisms.

Abnormalities of T-cell subsets in glomerulonephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

In this study, three kinds of monoclonal antibodies directed at human T lymphocytes, produced by mouse hybridomas and termed OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8, were used in an indirect immunofluorescence assay, to analyze the distribution of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets in 41 patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) and 11 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As assessed by functional studies, OKT4 and OKT8 defined the helper and cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes subsets, respectively, whereas OKT3 recognized all peripheral T-cells. Among GN patients, the ones presenting membranous GN (MGN), IgA disease, and lipoid nephrosis associated with segmental and focal hyalinosis (FGS) showed significant decrease of their peripheral cytotoxic/suppressive T cells. On the contrary, no significant alteration was found in the peripheral T cell distribution of patients with membranoproliferative GN (MPGN) and lipoid nephrosis associated with minimal-change GN (MCGN). Unexpectedly, there was a tendency for peripheral cytotoxic/suppressive T lymphocytes to be high in the majority of SLE patients, and only two of these subjects exhibited a relative decrease in peripheral OKT8 marked cells. The steroid therapy received by our patients might account for this discrepancy with previous reports of altered suppressor function in active SLE.

Human T lymphocytes subpopulation as defined by alloantigens and FC receptors a comparative analysis

Human peripheral T cells were fractionated in accordance to their surface receptors for G or M immunoglobulins and analyzed for their reactivity with alloantisera obtained by planned immunization involving HLA-A and HLA-B compatible individuals. These alloantisera were previously shown to recognized polymorphic structure exclusively expressed on T cells. Although the majority of the alloantisera analyzed reacted with different proportions of both T(M) and T(G) populations, some antisera specifically recognized surface structure restricted to either T(M) or T(G) lymphocytes. The various alloantisera consistently reacted with a fraction only of T(G) and T(M) cells, this indicating that these T cell subsets can be further fractionated in accordance to the expression of the alloantigenic determinants recognized by these antisera.

Cross-reactivity of sperm and T lymphocyte antigens

Evidence is presented for cross-reactivity between antigens on human sperm and T lymphocytes. In 25 infertile couples in which both the males and females had significant antisperm immunity, antibody (Ab) titers to thymocytes (mean +/- S.E.M. 159 +/- 4 and 72 +/- 14, respectively, in males and females), T cell lines CCRF-CEM (69 +/- 5 and 48 +/- 8) and HSB-2 (56 +/- 15) and 41 +/- 8), suppressor-enriched (TG) cells (26 +/- 6 and 66 +/- 28) and helper-enriched (TG-) cells (26 +/- 4 and 46 +/- 14) were significantly elevated, as compared with Ab titers in 45 normal males and 45 normal females without antisperm immunity. Antibody titers to adult B cells, B cell line RAJI, and granulocytes were similar in the two groups. Antisperm Ab titers in sera, sperm extracts, and seminal plasma of the infertile subjects were significantly reduced after absorption with sperm, thymocytes, or T cell line CCRF-CEM but not with the B cell line RAJI. Antithymocyte Ab titers in the sera were significantly reduced (p less than 0.001) after absorption with thymocytes, CCRF-CEM, or sperm, but not RAJI. Lymphocytes from the infertile patients, when stimulated with pokeweed mitogen in vitro, produced antisperm and anti-T-lymphocyte antibodies at significantly higher titers than normal controls.