Characterization of T cell subsets in patients with atopic dermatitis using OKT monoclonal antibodies.

The distribution of T cell subsets has been studied by means of OKT monoclonal antibodies in 19 children with atopic dermatitis. In these patients a decreased percentage of circulating OKT4+ cells has been observed, while no difference has been found between atopic and normal subjects, regarding the percentages of circulating OKT8+ and OKT11+ cells. An increased OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio has been detected only in three children with a particularly severe and extensive atopic eczema.