Immune dysfunction in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Immune dysfunction seems to be more common in lymphoproliferative disorders wherein the malignant cells originate from the immune system itself. The reaction of Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and six recall antigens were found to be diminished in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas as compared to control subjects (P less than 0.005). The skin reactivity was lost in increasing order in well differentiated, poorly differentiated, and histiocytic types. The depression in delayed hypersensitivity was greater with generalized as compared to localized disease. In angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIL), skin tests also showed negative response in 7 of 8 patients. This T-cell dysfunction in a preneoplastic condition (AIL) suggests early appearance of immunodeficiency and probably a prerequisite for the development of a lymphoma. The serum immunoglobulin levels failed to show any relation with respect to histology or extent of disease. Presumably, the alteration of IgG is secondary to a malignancy.