title: Immunologic mechanisms in aplastic anemia.
abstract: The existence of abnormalities of the immune system in patients with aplastic anemia is controversial. Review of the evidence for immune deficiency as a component of the aplastic process in these patients reveals generally intact lymphocyte function, but a variable degree of monocyte impairment. Evidence is presented that excessive T-lymphocyte activity may be implicated in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia, but this complicated by the possible induction of such suppressor cells in response to blood transfusions.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000361:Agammaglobulinemia / Q000276:immunology; D000741:Anemia, Aplastic / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000276:immunology; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens