Lymphocyte functions in Wegener's granulomatosis.

Lymphocyte function was examined in Wegener's granulomatosis patients and the following results were obtained. 1) The T and B lymphocyte subpopulation was within the normal range. 2) Lymphocyte blast formation was examined with the use of PHA-P, Con A or TAP (tuberculin active peptide). A decrease in responsiveness against TAP was found in four out of ten patients, but no decrease was observed in responsiveness agains Con A or PHA-P. 3) Skin tests were carried out on seven patients with six different antigens. In two out of seven patients, the skin reactions were decreased against all the antigens used. In the other five patients, skin reactions were observed against only one or two of the antigens used. These results suggest that Wegener's granulomatosis may be associated with a partial deficiency in the cellular immune mechanism.