T-cytotoxic/suppressor cell phenotypes in a group of asymptomatic homosexual men with and without exposure to HTLV-III/LAV.
The number of lymphocytes bearing the Leu 2+ or T8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) phenotype is elevated in asymptomatic homosexual men. By two-color immunofluorescence using paired monoclonal antibodies (alpha-Leu 2 and alpha-Leu 15, alpha-Leu 2 and alpha-Leu 7, alpha-Leu 7 and alpha-Leu 11), we enumerated phenotypic subpopulations that are associated with cytotoxic, suppressor, or natural killer function. Both cytotoxic (Leu 2+15-) and suppressor (bright Leu 2+15+) cell populations are elevated in homosexual men. Homosexual men who have been exposed to human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) have higher numbers of Leu 2+15- and Leu 2+7- cells than homosexual men who have not been exposed. Phenotypic subpopulations (dim Leu 2+ Leu 15+ and Leu 7-11+) that are associated with the most potent natural killer activity (against K562 target cells) were not found to be elevated in homosexual men.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000166:cytology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface