Inherited immunoregulatory dysfunction in extrinsic bronchial asthma.
We studied 119 members of 22 asthmatic multiplex families. Included were: 44 parents (seven were asthmatics), 48 asthmatics (23 were undergoing an attack at the time of sampling), and 27 normal siblings. The following investigations were carried out on all subjects: 1) detection of total T lymphocytes, helper cells, and suppressor cells, using monoclonal antibodies (OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8), 2) study of nonspecific T-lymphocyte blast transformation induced by PHA, and 3) HLA-A, B, and DR antigen determination using the microcytotoxicity technique. The results were compared with normal ranges and data for a normal group and statistically and genetically analyzed. They indicate that: 1) the number of T cells was low in asymptomatic asthmatics and normal in asthmatics in attack; 2) there were fewer helper and normal suppressor cells (that is, a low H:S ratio) in asymptomatic asthmatics, and a normal amount of helper and suppressor cells (a normal H:S ratio) in those experiencing an attack; 3) there was a percentage of lymphocyte transformation in both groups of asthmatics; 4) whereas the T-helper cells increased, there was no change in the number of suppressor cells during an attack, which points to deficient function of suppressor cells; 5) the disorder is inherited and the gene controlling this dysfunction is HLA-linked and probably dominant.
Hafez
M
M
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
el-Sayed
L H
LH
el-Shennawy
F
F
el-Morsy
Z
Z
Montaser
M A
MA
Hassan
E
E
Rashwan
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology
D006680:HLA Antigens