QUANTITATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL DEFICIT OF SUPPRESSOR T-CELLS IN CHILDREN WITH ATOPIC ECZEMA

Abstract

Helper (OKT4+) and suppressor (OKT8+) T cells were enumerated in 16 children with severe atopic eczema. Compared to controls (median 1.8) the ratio of OKT4+/OKT8+ cells in the patients was significantly higher (median 2.65, P < 0.002). Functional suppressor activity in these patients was assessed by concanavalin A (Con A) activation and suppression of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced Ig production by plasma cells and Con A proliferation of T cells. In both assays a lack of suppression was shown (Con A/PWM, P < 0.02; Con A/Con A, P < 0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation between the helper/suppressor ratio and functional suppressor activity (P < 0.01). A defect of T cell regulation apparently does exist in atopic eczema and if it is of primary pathogenic importance, immunotherapy to restore the balance may prove useful.