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T Abo

Publications and source records attributed to T Abo.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Selective phagocytosis of gram-positive bacteria and interleukin 1-like factor production by a subpopulation of large granular lymphocytes.

There has been a consensus that a large granular lymphocyte (LGL) population with natural killer (NK) function is nonadherent and nonphagocytic. However, a significant proportion of the nonadherent cells purified by the two-step depletion of adherent cells with a plastic surface and nylon wool columns engulfed Sta. aureus into their cytoplasm. These cells were morphologically identified as LGL in light and electron microscopies. Two-color immunofluorescence tests, furthermore, demonstrated that Leu-11+ LGL, Leu-11+7-, and Leu-11+7+, but not Leu-11-7+, phagocytosed Sta. aureus. Among the particles tested here, only Gram(+) bacteria were preferentially phagocytosed, whereas Gram(-) bacteria, other large-sized microbes (e.g., baker's yeast and Candida albicans), latex, silica, and carbonyl iron were not. LGL exhibited a substantial level of bactericidal activity against Sta. aureus, although the level was one third of that mediated by monocytes. When Gram(+) bacteria were incubated with nonadherent cells for 18 hr, significant amounts of interleukin 1 (IL 1)-like factors (or IL 1 itself) as well as interferon were detected in the supernatants. On the other hand, this incubation did not induce interleukin 2 (IL 2). The IL 1-like factor producer cells were demonstrated to be the low-density lymphocytes on Percoll separation and to have the Leu-11+ phenotype. The phagocytosis was suggested to be an important stimulus in producing IL 1-like factors from LGL. Thus, the treatment of cells with cytochalasin B, a microfilament disrupting agent, completely abrogated both phagocytosis and IL 1-like factor production. Some cell wall components of Gram(+) bacteria might be important to a recognition process of the phagocytosis, since the protoplasts of Sta. aureus, when prepared by the treatment of bacteria with lysostaphin, were no longer phagocytosed by LGL. The present results therefore identify an additional unique characteristic similar to, but not identical with, the myelomonocytic nature of Leu-11+ LGL.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Analysis of histiocytosis X infiltrates with monoclonal antibodies directed against cells of histiocytic, lymphoid, and myeloid lineage.

Surface markers expressed on histiocytosis X (HX) cells were studied using 18 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) and an in situ indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Specimens of skin (five biopsies from three cases) and lymph node (one case) were studied. Our study confirmed previous findings of an OKT6+ HLA DR+ Leu 3a+ phenotype of HX cells in skin and indicated that lymph node HX cells can also have this phenotype. A mixture of cells expressing T markers/T subset, monocyte/macrophage, and killer/natural killer (K/NK) markers was also present in two cases. However, one case with an aggressive course showed no detectable HNK 1+ (K/NK) or Leu 2A (suppressor) cells in the cutaneous infiltrates and no detectable HNK 1+ lymphocytes in an affected lymph node. The significance of these findings in relation to prognosis and therapy is discussed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1985

Annual stability in the levels of lymphocyte subpopulations identified by monoclonal antibodies in blood of healthy individuals.

The absolute numbers and percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes, and lymphocyte subpopulations in the blood mononuclear cells were examined monthly in two healthy individuals over a 22-month period. The object of this study was to determine whether the levels of lymphocyte subpopulations identified by monoclonal antibodies, Leu4+ (T), Leu3+ (helper T), Leu2+ (suppressor/cytotoxic T), and Leu7+ (natural killer) cells, were stable during the year for healthy donors. The results were analyzed by the cosiner method to estimate the rhythmicity of these subpopulations. The number of lymphocytes varied, showing a moderate circannual rhythm with a peak in early summer, whereas the number of monocytes also varied but its variation did not show a specific rhythm. The absolute numbers of T-lymphocyte subpopulations and Leu3+ and Leu2+ cells showed a covariation, with a peak in early summer in parallel with the circannual rhythm of total lymphocyte counts. A subpopulation of granular lymphocytes with natural killer function, Leu7+ cells, also showed a significant variation during the year. Of particular interest is that Leu3/Leu2 ratios were considerably stable during the year. The two-time point examination of these lymphocyte markers including HB-2+ B cells in August and January in 15 normal donors did not show any significant differences, although the mean values were slightly higher in summer. The stability and variability of these lymphocyte markers are displayed graphically and the details of these variations are listed.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Natural killer cells in human colostrum.

The presence of natural killer cells in human colostrum was disclosed with the use of a fluorochrome-labeled monoclonal antibody HNK-1 (Leu-7) that recognizes cells with natural killer and killer activity. Approximately 0.5% of total colostral cells were stained with this reagent. These cells were separated by the fluorescence-activated cell sorter and examined for their morphology by electron microscopy and for their cytotoxic activity against 51Cr-labeled K562 target cells. Two morphological types of natural killer cells were observed in colostrum: the first was represented by large cells with numerous vacuoles but without dense cytoplasmic granules; the second type, which occurred with lower frequency, resembled the large granular lymphocytes associated with natural killer activity in peripheral blood. The HNK-1-positive cells from colostrum displayed low cytotoxic activity against K562 target cells. Incubation of HNK-1-positive cells from peripheral blood with cell-free colostrum resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the cytotoxic activity. The functional changes were accompanied by morphological alterations which included degranulation and the formation of numerous vacuoles. The variances in the cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood HNK-1-positive cells suspended in different dilutions of colostrum suggest that this fluid contains humoral factors which modify morphology and function depending on their concentrations.

Blood Cells↗
PubMed1985

A human B cell differentiation antigen selectively expressed on mature B cells identified by a monoclonal antibody (HB-2).

A monoclonal IgM antibody (HB-2), produced against a membrane antigen on the Raji, B cell line, reacted by indirect immunofluorescence with 2 to 40% of lymphoblasts from the B cell lines, Raji, Daudi, SN-1036, and SB but not with other types of cell lines, including pre-B, myeloid, melanoma, or T cells. HB-2 antibody reacted with 10 +/- 3% of normal blood mononuclear cells, and was unreactive with monocytes, granulocytes, platelets, or erythrocytes. Two-color immunofluorescence revealed that HB-2 antigen expression was confined to cells bearing surface Ig. An interesting finding was the fact that 25% of plasmablasts induced by pokeweed mitogen also expressed the HB-2 antigen. However, pre-B and plasma cells from normal bone marrow did not express the HB-2 antigen either on their membrane surface or in their cytoplasm. Analysis of 85 leukemias revealed that the HB-2 antigen was expressed on acute and chronic B cell leukemias and Burkitt's lymphomas, but not on malignancies of pre-B, T, myelocytic, or plasma cells. The results suggest that expression of the HB-2 antigen is confined to mature B cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1985

Expression of the Chediak-Higashi lysosomal abnormality in human peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations.

Fusion of lysosomes to form a giant cytoplasmic inclusion is a major abnormality expressed by multiple hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cell types in Chediak-Higashi (C-H) patients. In this study, the extent of involvement of lymphoid cell subpopulations was defined. Purified populations of B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and helper T cells were obtained from two C-H patients and normal controls by immunofluorescence staining of their blood mononuclear cells with the monoclonal antibodies HB-2, Leu-7, or Leu-3 followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Cytochemical and ultrastructural analyses as well as functional assays were performed to determine whether or not the C-H lysosomal abnormality was expressed in the different lymphocyte subpopulations. B cells expressed the C-H defect following activation and differentiation. All of the Leu-7+ cells and a significant proportion of the Leu-3+ cells displayed the C-H abnormality. These Leu-3+ cells share the NK lineage characteristics of granular lymphocyte morphology and the capacity to bind to NK cell targets. In contrast, the C-H abnormality was not observed in non-NK target-binding cells with T helper phenotype, in which clusters of lysosomes formed a normal Gall body. Moreover, T cell functions were unimpaired in C-H patients. These observations raise the issue of the lineal relationship between granular and nongranular lymphocytes typed as T cells on the basis of cell surface antigen markers.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Patients with a deficiency of natural killer cell activity lack the VEP13-positive lymphocyte subpopulation.

Many patients with B-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibit a profound defect in their natural killer (NK) cell activity, the basis of which is still obscure. Hence, we analyzed the NK cells from peripheral blood samples from 11 patients with CLL for phenotype and function, after removal of the leukemic cells with a monoclonal antibody (BA-1) plus complement. Phenotypic analysis of these nonleukemic cells with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against NK cells revealed that the CLL patients had higher percentages of HNK-1-positive cells (23.5% compared to controls with 14.7%). In contrast, VEP13-positive cells were absent or low in seven patients (0.8% compared to controls with 11.2%) and normal in four patients (10.5%). When testing NK cell activities against K562 or MOLT 4 target cells, patients with no or minimal numbers of VEP13-positive cells were found to be deficient, while patients with normal percentages of VEP13-positive cells had NK cell activity comparable to controls. Isolation by fluorescence-activated cell sorter of HNK-1-positive cells from patients lacking VEP13-positive cells and NK cell activity indicated that the majority of the HNK-1-positive cells in these patients had the large granular lymphocyte morphology that is characteristic of NK cells. Thus, the deficiency of NK cell activity in CLL patients appears to result from the absence of cells carrying the VEP13 marker.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1984

Characterization of human granular lymphocyte subpopulations expressing HNK-1 (Leu-7) and Leu-11 antigens in the blood and lymphoid tissues from fetuses, neonates and adults.

Three subpopulations of human granular lymphocytes from blood and lymphoid tissues were characterized using combinations of the monoclonal antibodies (mAb) HNK-1 (Leu-7), Leu-11 and VEP13. Each subpopulation was confirmed to possess natural killer (NK) cell functional capability, but a different level of cytotoxic efficiency (HNK-1+leu-11- less than HNK-1+Leu-11+ less than HNK-1-Leu-11+). In adult from 23 healthy donors, the subpopulations with HNK-1+Leu-11-, HNK-1+Leu-11+ and HNK-1-Leu-11+ phenotypes comprised 4.7 +/- 3.0, 8.0 +/- 6.4 and 3.9 +/- 3.5% of mononuclear cells, respectively. Despite their distinct surface marker phenotypes and NK functional ability, all 3 subpopulations exhibited granular lymphocyte morphology. One of these subpopulations, HNK-1+Leu-11-, also expressed the pan-T cell antigen Leu-4. Different patterns were observed in fetal bone marrow and cord blood, where the vast majority of HNK-1+ cells lacked the Leu-11 antigen (HNK-1+Leu-11+ cells). The HNK-1 antigen was not expressed on granulocytes and their precursors, whereas both Leu-11 and VEP13 antigens were expressed on these myeloid cells from fetal bone marrow and cord blood as well as adult bone marrow and spleen. Cell lines of granular lymphocytes cultured in the presence of interleukin 2 all possessed the HNK-1+Leu-4+ phenotype and NK functional capability but lacked the Leu-11 and VEP13 antigens on their surface after 15 days of culture. Although granular lymphocytes expressing the Fc receptors reacting with the mAb Leu-11 and VEP13, are the most functionally active NK cells, the HNK-1+ subpopulation lacking the Leu-11 and VEP13 antigens appears to be an important population (possibly an immature form of granular lymphocytes) for delineating the cell lineage(s) and differentiation of human granular lymphocytes. Although none of the currently available mAb react both inclusively and exclusively with human granular lymphocytes, the combination usage of these antibodies permits a more precise and comprehensive analysis of these subsets.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Characterization of a subset of human natural killer cells that express OKM1 but lack HNK-1 (Leu-7) antigens.

The HNK-1(Leu-7) monoclonal antibody selectively identifies a population of human granular lymphocytes with natural killer (NK) cell activity. We previously reported that the HNK-1+ cell fraction purified from blood mononuclear cells accounted for virtually all NK activity in six individuals. In this study we analysed additional normal individuals and found that in eight out of 14 donors HNK-1+ cells, purified with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), exhibited greatly enriched NK cell activity, whereas HNK-1- cells did not have significant activity. In four donors the HNK-1+ cells were enriched in NK activity compared with HNK-1- cells; however, the HNK-1- cells also had moderate levels of activity. In the two remaining donors, NK activity was not enriched in the HNK-1+ fraction in comparison with the HNK-1- fraction. To determine the cell type responsible for NK activity in the HNK-1- subset, these cells were further sorted with the FACS onto OKM1+ and OMK1- fractions and analysed for morphology and function. HNK-1- OKM1- cells were found to be small- to medium-sized lymphocytes devoid of NK activity in all donors tested, whereas most HNK-1- OKM1+ cells were granular lymphocytes and in some donors demonstrated NK function at a level comparable to HNK-1+ cells. Thus some individuals have an important subset of granular lymphocytes with NK-cell activity and the HNK-1- OKM1+ phenotype. It is important to account for these cells in studies involving granular lymphocytes and NK cell function.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1984

Natural killer cells suppress human erythroid stem cell proliferation in vitro.

To determine the role of natural killer (NK) cells in the regulation of human erythropoiesis, we studied the effects of NK-enriched cell populations on the in vitro proliferation of erythroid stem cells at three different levels of maturation (day 14 blood BFU-E, day 5-6 marrow CFU-E, and day 10-12 marrow BFU-E). NK cells were enriched from blood by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), using the human natural killer cell monoclonal antibody, HNK-1. The isolated enriched fractions were cocultured with autologous nonadherent marrow cells or blood null cells and erythropoietin in a methylcellulose erythroid culture system. Cells from low-density Percoll fractions (NK-enriched cells) were predominantly large granular lymphocytes with cytotoxic activity against K562 targets 6-10-fold greater than cells obtained from high-density Percoll fractions (NK-depleted cells). In coculture with marrow nonadherent cells (NA) at NK:NA ratios of 2:1, NK-enriched cells suppressed day 5-6 CFU-E to 62% (p less than 0.025) of controls, whereas NK-depleted cells slightly augmented CFU-E to 130% of controls (p greater than 0.05). In contrast, no suppression of day 10-12 marrow BFU-E was observed employing NK-enriched cells. The NK CFU-E suppressor effects were abolished by complement-mediated lysis of NK-enriched cells with the natural killer cell antibody, HNK-1. Highly purified HNK-1+ cells separated by FACS suppressed marrow CFU-E to 34% (p less than 0.025) and marrow BFU-E to 41% (p less than 0.025) of controls. HNK- cells had no significant effect on either BFU-E or CFU-E growth. NK-enriched cells were poor stimulators of day 14 blood BFU-E in comparison to equal numbers of NK-depleted cells or T cells isolated by E-rosetting (p less than 0.01). Interferon boosting of NK-enriched cells abolished their suboptimal burst-promoting effects and augmented their CFU-E suppressor effects. These studies provide evidence for a potential regulatory role of NK cells in erythropoiesis. The NK suppressor effect is maximal at the level of the mature erythroid stem cell CFU-E. These findings may explain some hypoproliferative anemias that develop in certain NK cell-activated states.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Heterogeneity of natural killer lymphocyte abnormalities in colon cancer patients.

p6e monoclonal antibody HNK-1 reacts exclusively with human granular lymphocytes that comprise 16 +/- 1.4% of blood mononuclear cells. In normal individuals, almost all natural killer (NK) and killer (K) cell function resides in this lymphocyte subset. The level of HNK-1+ granular lymphocytes, their stage of differentiation, and NK cell function were examined in 70 colon cancer patients and the results compared with data for 114 age-matched normal individuals. Median levels of granular lymphocytes were significantly depressed in colon cancer patients compared to controls (9% versus 16.5%, P less than 0.0001). Despite the depressed numbers of circulating HNK-1+ cells, NK cell function in the colon cancer patients was essentially the same as in normals (P = 0.78). The HNK-1+ lymphocyte level correlated exactly with NK cell function in about two thirds of normal individuals but only one third of colon cancer patients (P = 0.025). Three possible mechanisms for this dichotomy were examined. First, lymphoid cell subpopulations purified with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) were examined for altered NK cell functional activity. HNK-1+ cells from the colon cancer patients exhibited significantly less NK functional activity compared to normals (796 versus 1046 lytic units, P = 0.04). Interestingly, the HNK-1- fraction (predominantly T lymphocytes) had increased NK cell functional activity in the colon cancer patients compared to normals (373 versus 218 lytic units, P = 0.0001). Purified monocytes did not contribute to NK cell functional activity. Second, the functional maturity of the HNK-1+ lymphocytes was correlated with NK activity. Two subsets of HNK-1+ cells were identified by surface membrane markers and purified with the FACS. The more mature HNK-1+ subset (i.e., HNK+Leu-4-M1+) exhibited almost ten times more NK cell functional activity than did the less mature cell fraction (i.e., HNK+Leu-4+M1-) cells in normal individuals (2230 versus 286 lytic units/10(7) cells). Further analysis demonstrated that the ratio of mature to immature HNK+ cells in normal individuals was 3:1, while it was decreased to a 1:1 ratio in colon cancer patients P = 0.005). Third, the influence of prostaglandin-mediated suppression on NK cell activity was examined. PGE2 did not appear to influence NK cell function, since NK cell function was unchanged in vitro in the presence of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1983

Enumeration of human lymphocyte subpopulations by immunofluorescence: a comparative study using automated flow microfluorometry and fluorescence microscopy.

These studies reveal that the enumeration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by fluorescence microscopy and automated flow microfluorometry show a high degree of correlation whether the cells came from normals, individuals with common variable immunodeficiency, chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B cell origin or chronic lymphocytic leukemia of T cell origin. There was excellent agreement between these two methods when counting positive cells stained by the pan-T monoclonal antibodies OKT3 and Leu-1, the helper T reagents OKT4 and Leu-3a, and the suppressor T antibodies OKT8 and Leu-2a. The values obtained for B cells using a pan-B (HB-2) cell antibody analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and automated flow microfluorometry gave a correlation coefficient of 0.86. The percentage of cells identified by antibodies with reactivities toward peripheral blood monocytes (MMA or Leu-M1), the HLA-DR determinant, and HNK-1 (Leu-7) positive cells gave correlation coefficients of 0.90, 0.90, and 0.80 respectively when compared by the 2 methods mentioned above. These data suggest that comparable values for lymphocyte subpopulations in human blood samples can be obtained using the most convenient and available technology.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1983

Differentiation stages of human natural killer cells in lymphoid tissues from fetal to adult life.

Virtually all human granular lymphocytes expressed the HNK-1 differentiation antigen when examined in lymphoid compartments from adults, neonates, and fetuses. The HNK-1+ cells were distinguishable into three subsets having distinct antigenic phenotypes: HNK+T3-M1-, HNK+T3+M1-, and HNK+T3-M1+. Thus, greater than 70% of the HNK-1+ cells from 13-17 wk fetuses (less than 0.2% of nucleated cells) lacked T cell antigens (e.g., T3, T8, T4, and T6) and the M1 myeloid antigen. Morphologically, the HNK+T3-M1- cells consisted of three different types: small granular lymphocytes (less than 10% of HNK-1+ cells), agranular small lymphocytes with a narrow rim of cytoplasm (70-80%), and agranular giant cells (greater than 15 micrometers) with considerable neutrophilic cytoplasm (15%). The purified fetal HNK-1+ cells exhibited a low level of cytotoxicity against K562 target cells. On the other hand, almost all of HNK-1+ cells in neonatal tissues as well as adult bone marrow, lymph node, and thymus, exhibited the HNK+T3+M1- phenotype, contained sparse cytoplasmic granules, and had an intermediate level of NK functional activity. Only adult blood and spleen contained a majority of mature HNK-1+ cells. These cells had an HNK+T3-M1- phenotype, abundant cytoplasmic granules, and maximum NK function. We propose that human NK cells may generate from a separate cell lineage and that they alter their phenotype, morphology, and functional capability during differentiation.

Antigens, Surface↗
PubMed1983

Natural killer cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Abnormal numbers and functional immaturity of HNK-1+ cells.

A monoclonal antibody, HNK-1, that detects a differentiation antigen on human granular lymphocytes with natural killer (NK) activity was used to enumerate this subpopulation in the peripheral blood of 14 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nine patients had severely decreased numbers of HNK-1+ cells, 3 patients had elevated levels of HNK-1+ cells, and 2 patients had appropriate numbers of HNK-1+ cells compared with the levels in 112 normal controls. All SLE patients exhibited low NK killing ability against K562 target cells compared with controls. An increased proportion of the HNK-1+ cells was categorized as immature granular lymphocytes in over 50% of the SLE patients because their HNK-1+ cells coexpressed the OKT3 antigen and contained a paucity of cytoplasmic granules. The numbers of HNK-1+ cells or the HNK-1+ OKT3+ subgroup did not correlate with steroid therapy. This evidence suggests that levels of HNK-1+ lymphocytes are abnormal and functionally immature in most SLE patients. Longitudinal studies conducted over several months on a number of SLE patients demonstrated fluctuations in the ratio of mature and immature HNK-1+ cells and total HNK-1+ cells. Additional patients tested over longer periods of time will have to be studied to determine whether the proportion of mature NK cells (HNK-1+ OKT-) and immature NK cells (HNK-1+ OKT3+) will be useful in predicting the clinical course of disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

In vitro propagation of cultured human natural killer cells expressing the HNK-1 differentiation antigen and spontaneous cytotoxic function.

Human natural killer (NK) cells expressing the HNK-1 differentiation antigen were established in long-term tissue culture for over 3 months. The fluorescence-activated cell sorter-purified HNK-1+ cells required both phytohemagglutinin and exogenous interleukin 2 to propagate in long-term culture. After 2 weeks of culture, virtually all of the growing cells exhibited the surface membrane phenotype associated with immature HNK-1+ cells, since they simultaneously expressed the HNK-1, Leu-4 and Leu-2a but lacked the M1. Leu-3a and T6 antigens, and Fc gamma receptors. They exhibited a lymphoblastoid appearance, contained cytoplasmic granules, and exhibited spontaneous cytotoxic function against a broader spectrum of target cells than did fresh HNK-1+ cells from the same donor. Cultured HNK-1+ cells lacked antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic (ADCC) function, while fresh HNK-1+ were fully capable of ADCC function. On the other hand, cultured HNK-1- cells were lymphoblasts without cytoplasmic granules or NK cytotoxic function. The cultured HNK-1+ cells gradually lost their HNK-1 antigen expression over time, although the expression of other surface antigens (e.g., Leu-4 and Leu-2a) was unchanged. With prolonged culture (greater than 2 months), they also exhibited decreasing cytotoxic function and a diminished number of cytoplasmic granules. They were eventually indistinguishable from HNK-1- cells after 3 months of culture. These observations were not influenced by adding interferon-gamma to the cultures. The results demonstrate that the immature form of NK cells (that express T cell antigens) preferentially proliferate in long-term cultures when incubated with phytohemagglutinin and interleukin 2.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Characterization of the human peripheral blood effector cells mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against respiratory syncytial virus.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated into several subpopulations and evaluated for their ability to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected HeLa cells. Using erythrocyte rosetting methods, nylon wool filtration, and cytolysis with OKT-3 monoclonal antibody, two lymphocyte subpopulations were shown to mediate RSV-ADCC; non-T, non-B, and IgG-Fc receptor-bearing lymphocytes and E-rosetting cells with IgGFc receptors (T gamma cells). Removal of phagocytic cells did not alter ADCC activity. Monoclonal antibody to human NK and K cells, HNK-1, recognized these two lymphocyte effector subpopulations.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Immunologic studies in asymptomatic hemophilia patients. Relationship to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Asymptomatic hemophilia patients receiving Factor VIII concentrate were found to have normal natural killer (NK) cells and B cells, and an inverted T helper/suppressor ratio due to an increase in cells of T suppressor phenotype. In contrast, a hemophilia patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) exhibited nonfunctional NK cells, low B cells, and an inverted T helper/suppressor ratio due to very low numbers of T helper cells. Hemophilia patients on cryoprecipitate therapy exhibited normal immune parameters. A high percentage of hemophilia patients on both treatments had antibody to hepatitis B virus. The isolated finding of elevated levels of T suppressor cells in hemophilia patients receiving Factor VIII concentrate has not been recognized as an early indicator of impending AIDS, and longitudinal studies will be required to determine its clinical significance.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗