Immunological suppressor cell activity in insulin dependent diabetes.

We have measured suppressor activity of the peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes from 13 insulin dependent diabetics with established disease for two or more years. A statistically significant increase in suppressor T-lymphocyte activity was demonstrated in patients who had a positive response in this assay. There was no alteration in the activity of prostaglandin synthetase dependent mononuclear cell activity. There was no correlation of lymphocyte suppressor activity with HLA type of these patients. These results may contribute to the understanding of the propensity for infection in patients with insulin dependent diabetes.