Comparison of T8+ cell-mediated suppressor and cytotoxic functions in multiple sclerosis.
Patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls were compared with regard to: (a) in vitro pokeweed mitogen (pwm)-induced IgG secretion, as an indirect measure of T8+ cell-mediated suppressor function; (b) alloantigen-directed cytotoxic activity, a predominantly T8+ cell-mediated function. The MS group had increased IgG secretion (4790 +/- 372 ng/ml vs. 1866 +/- 233 ng/ml, P less than 0.001) compared to controls. In contrast, alloantigen-directed cytotoxic activity did not differ between MS and control groups. These results suggest a selective defect of suppressor cell function in MS rather than a generalized dysfunction of T8+ cells. Defective immunoregulatory control coupled with preserved effector functions may contribute to the autoimmune process, suspected to underlie the pathogenesis of MS.
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000276:immunology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007519:Isoantigens; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens