Abstract
B cell- and immunoregulatory T cell function was investigated in polyclonal [pokeweed mitogen (PWM) driven] and antigen-specific (antigen, SRBC) antibody producing assay systems in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of 21 patients who were given BMT for hematologic disorders. Markedly deficient B cell responses were observed in the first 8-10 months after BMT and these were attributable to both B- as well as T cell dysfunction. Subsequently, while B cells became responsive in the majority of patients, T cell abnormalities persisted and hampered the successful induction of T-dependent antibody responses for an additional period of 4-6 months. Abnormalities of T cell function consisted of both excessive suppressor cell activity and decreased helper function. The former was most pronounced in the first 4-6 months after BMT. Abnormally high suppressor T cell activity and deficient helper function was noted for an extended period of time in 2 patients with chronic graft versus host (GVH) disease. Determination of surface antigen phenotype of T cells using monoclonal antibodies revealed an inverse helper/suppressor cell ratio in these patients. These findings indicate that deficient humoral immune responses in the period following BMT derive initially from B-as well as T-cell abnormalities, and later, mainly from T cell dysfunction. In chronic GVH, increased proportions of functionally active suppressor T cells may persist for prolonged periods of time.
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Pahwa, S., Freidrich, W., Evans, R. et al. 954 HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE IN VITRO AFTER BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION (BMT). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 601 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00979
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00979