T cell subpopulations defined by monoclonal antibodies after HLA-identical sibling marrow transplantation. II. Activated and functional subsets of helper-inducer and cytotoxic-suppressor subpopulations defined by two-colour fluorescence flow cytometry.
Two-colour fluorescence flow cytometry was utilized to define subsets within the Leu-3+ (T4+) helper-inducer and the Leu-2+ (T8+) cytotoxic-suppressor T cell subpopulations in recipients of unmanipulated HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplants. The absolute number of activated cytotoxic-suppressor T cells expressing the HLA-DR and OKT10 activation antigens was increased. The proportion (or relative number) of cells bearing each of these activation antigens was also elevated in  both the Leu-2+ and the Leu-3+ subpopulations, with up to 60% of Leu-2+ cells and up to 40% of Leu-3+ cells expressing them. Interestingly, absolute numbers of cells expressing two other activation-associated antigens, the interleukin-2 (IL-2) and transferrin receptors, were not increased in either major T cell subpopulation, although the relative number of Leu-3+ cells expressing both these surface structures was increased early post-transplant. Three putative functional subsets were also enumerated: the Leu-3+, Leu-8+ suppressor-inducer subset was depressed in absolute and relative numbers at most time points post-transplant. The Leu-4+, Leu-15+ suppressor-effector subset subpopulation was normal at all time points posttransplant, while the Leu-2+, 9.3+ cytotoxic precursor subset showed low relative and absolute numbers both early and late post-transplant. None of the abnormalities demonstrated in the present study was correlated with presence or absence of graft-versus-host disease. The study further demonstrates the heterogeneity of the abnormalities in the immune system after human marrow transplantation and lays the basis for functional studies involving these cell populations.
Atkinson
K
K
Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012016:Reference Values; D012801:Sibling Relations; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents