Analysis of T lymphocyte subsets in cytomegalovirus mononucleosis.
Lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens and herpes virus antigens are diminished during cytomegalovirus (CMV) mononucleosis. We analyzed peripheral blood T lymphocytes from patients in the acute and convalescent phases of CMV mononucleosis using monoclonal antibodies directed against the T helper and the T cytotoxic-suppressor cell subsets. Acute CMV infection is associated with a reversal in the normal ratio of helper to suppressor T lymphocytes with relative and absolute decreases in T helper cells and corresponding increases in T suppressor cells. These alterations in T lymphocyte subsets are accompanied by diminished lymphocyte responses to the mitogen concanavalin A (Con A). During convalescence, helper T lymphocytes increase, suppressor T lymphocytes decrease, and Con A responses return to normal.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003289:Convalescence; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification*