Functional analysis of CD8 lymphocytes in long-term surviving patients after bone marrow transplantation.

The recovery of T-cell populations after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is characterized by a persistent expansion of CD8 lymphocytes. Previously, we have shown that beyond 1 year posttransplantation the CD8 lymphocytes consist, to a large extent, of CD8+ HNK1+ cells that suppress, like normal CD8 lymphocytes, immunoglobulin production in vitro. We have further investigated the functional capabilities of CD8 lymphocytes, mostly HNK1+ (from 50 to 77%), in seven long-term BMT patients.

Heterogeneous accessory cell requirement for human peripheral blood T lymphocyte activation by PHA into IL-2-responsive colony-forming cells.

Mitogen-driven T cell proliferation in liquid culture requires accessory cells that cooperate in interleukin 2 production. We have investigated the accessory cell requirement for human lymphocyte colony formation under PHA stimulation. Semisolid medium limits cell-to-cell contact emphasizing the role of cooperating cells both in growth factor production and in triggering events.

Phenotype study with monoclonal antibodies of T lymphocyte colonies in normal individuals and in patients with chronic OKT8+ lymphocytic leukaemia.

The lymphocyte colony forming capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal controls and from two patients with chronic OKT8+ lymphocytic leukaemia was determined in agar culture under PHA stimulation. The number and size of the colonies in patients were reduced compared to normal. The lymphocytic phenotype of colony cells was studied with monoclonal antibodies in colonies harvested from agar culture and in colonies expanded in liquid culture in the presence of TCGF.