title: Decreased T helper cell function in patients with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: T cell immune function was further evaluated in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. CF patients, regardless of severity of pulmonary disease or colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, had lower percentages of T helper cells (p less than 0.01) and decreased T helper function as demonstrated by diminished T help for control B cell pokeweed mitogen-stimulated IgG (p less than 0.01) and IgM (p less than 0.01) synthesis. Increased T suppressor function, measured by co-culture with control B and T cells, was noted in only 25% of CF patients. CF patients' T cells exhibited decreased allogeneic T cell cytotoxicity compared to normal controls (p less than 0.01). This study extends previous studies demonstrating decreased T cell functions in CF patients and indicates a specific decrease in T helper function.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G