Identification of T cell subsets and B lymphocytes in mouse brain experimental allergic encephalitis lesions.

Tissue section immunoperoxidase staining, employing monoclonal antibodies specific for T cell antigens (Lyt-1, Lyt-2) and B cells (B220), was used to study the brains of mice with experimental allergic encephalitis. Cells bearing phenotypes characteristic of both helper (Lyt-1+2-) and cytotoxic/suppressor (or precursor) (Lyt-2+) T cells, as well as B cells, are present in the perivascular cuffs in brains of EAE mice during active disease and the recovery phase. Lyt-1+ cells comprise 49% of the inflammatory cell population, and Lyt-2+ and B220+ cells are found at frequencies of 10% and 12%, respectively.