The distribution of T cell subsets of Kveim and sarcoid granulomata. An immunohistological investigation of blood, Kveim test sites and sarcoid tissue lesions from 16 patients.

T lymphocyte subsets in a positive Kveim reaction and sarcoid tissue lesions as well as peripheral blood from 16 patients with sarcoidosis were evaluated with monoclonal antibodies. The data demonstrate a redistribution of T cells from the blood to the specifically involved tissues with granulomas, i.e., sarcoid tissue lesions and positive Kveim reaction. These cells express CD2+, CD4+ phenotype as demonstrated by high CD4/CD8 ratios at the sites of positive Kveim reaction and sarcoid tissue lesions with respect to blood.