Cell-mediated immune response during specific hyposensitization in atopic asthma patients.

The T and B lymphocyte subpopulations were evaluated by means of the rosette test and lymphocyte blastogenic index to PHA was determined in 21 asthmatic patients sensitive to house dust mites during specific immunotherapy with Allpyral. After 2-year treatment a marked increase in the capability of T lymphocytes to form active and spontaneous E rosette was noted. The lymphocyte response to PHA was also significantly higher than before hyposensitization. These findings indicate the role of T lymphocytes and the participation of the cell-mediated response in the mechanisms of specific immunotherapy.