Alterations of functional subsets of T helper and T suppressor cell populations in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and chronic unexplained lymphadenopathy.

We have studied the distribution of Leu8 and Ia on T cells of the helper (T4) and suppressor (T8) phenotype in homosexual men with chronic unexplained lymphadenopathy, homosexual men with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and homosexual and heterosexual controls. Decreased numbers of helper T cells in lymphadenopathy patients are due to a decrease in the T4:Leu8+ subset, whereas in AIDS patients, both the T4:Leu8+ and the T4:Leu8- subsets were decreased.