Immunological studies of patients with asbestosis. I. Studies of cell-mediated immunity.
A variety of cancers have been documented in patients exposed to asbestos dust. Since a deranged immune system may play a rôle in cancer development, the general level of immunocompetence was studied in a group of twenty-six patients with radiographically defined asbestosis, who might be at risk of developing asbestos-related neoplasms. Statistical comparisons were made with a comparable control group. A disproportionate number of the patients displayed cutaneous energy to certain recall antigens and to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. In vitro studies of cellular immunity, as evaluated by phytohaemagglutinin-induced proliferative and cytotoxicity assays,  showed significantly lower values amongst the patient group. Serum inhibitors of mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation were also detected in several of the patients. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000276:immunology*; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014374:Tuberculin Test
D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene