The T-cell deficiency in atopic disease and its relation to hyperproduction of IgE.

Recent studies have given ample evidence that atopy is associated with a T-cell deficiency. This deficiency appears to be primary and not merely a consequence of disease manifestations. Several studies have indicated that the T-cell defect displays a certain selectivity, resulting in imbalance between helper and suppressor T-cell in atopics. Suppressor cells, carrying Fc IgG marker (T gamma cells) or being inducible by concanavalin A, have been found to be deficient, and recent data suggest that there is an imbalance between T8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) and T4+ (inducer/helper) T-cells in individuals with severe atopic disease. There appears to be a negative correlation between suppressor cell activity and serum IgE levels. These findings suggest that there is a causal relationship between the T-cell deficiency and hyperproduction of IgE in atopy. The immunological abnormalities in atopy cannot be easily explained by the beta-adrenergic blockade which is associated with the disease. Further immunopharmacological studies may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of atopic disease.