T and B lymphocytes in various allergies.

The percentages and absolute numbers of T, B and "null" cells were studied in 100 allergic patients and compared with values observed in 35 healthy age matched control subjects. T cells were identified by their ability to form spontaneous rosettes with SRBC (E-RFC) and B cells by their complement receptor that allows the binding of antibody-complement coated erythrocytes (EAC-RFC). The PBL count was found to be slightly lowered in patients suffering from pollinosis, candidiasis and chronic urticaria. The percentages of T and B lymphocytes were similar in both allergic and healthy people, but the patients with pollinosis, candidiasis and chronic urticaria showed decreased absolute numbers of T lymphocytes. Most of them had normal or even--in some cases of pollinosis and candidiasis--increased numbers of B lymphocytes, and normal or--as in some cases of chronic urticaria and candidiasis--increased numbers of B lymphocytes, and normal or--as in some cases of chronic urticaria and candidiasis--decreased numbers of "null" cells. This study support the hypothesis that allergic diseases may be associated with a defect of a subpopulation of T cells, however, it does not seem possible that "null" cells may represent these defective suppressor T cells.