Products from human mast cell line cells enhance the production of interferon-gamma by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells.

In patients with allergic asthma, T-cell cytokines are implicated in the regulation of the local inflammation in the airways. The ability of sensitized mast cells to release mediators and cytokines early upon allergen stimulation makes them important candidates for local immunoregulation. We have studied the effects of human mast cells on T cells with the use of the human mast cell line HMC-1.

Interferon-gamma preferentially reduces memory/effector CD8 T lymphocytes in healthy subjects.

To evaluate the influence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on leukocyte dynamics, with a focus on naive and memory T cells, we studied 6 healthy subjects twice in a placebo-controlled trial: once after the administration of recombinant human IFN-gamma (rhIFN-gamma; 100 microg/m2 subcutaneously) and at least 4 weeks later, after the administration of saline solution. Additionally, we studied the expression of adhesion molecules on T lymphocytes after in vitro incubation of whole blood with rhIFN-gamma. IFN-gamma induced a significant depletion in the number of T lymphocytes (P < .

Cloning of T lymphocytes from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

We have prepared T-cell clones from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from four healthy, nonsmoking persons and from four patients with allergic asthma. T cells were cloned by direct limiting dilution and with the use of a fluorescent activated cell sorter with an automated cell deposition unit. T-cell clones from the blood (PB) were prepared as well.

Ifosfamide and VP-16213 combination chemotherapy combined with ablative chemotherapy and autologous marrow transplantation as salvage treatment for malignant lymphoma.

Eighteen patients with high-grade malignant lymphoma were treated with ifosfamide-VP16213 combinations after failing to respond completely or after relapsing on CHOP-like therapy. Responders to the salvage therapy were subsequently treated with ablative chemotherapy (BCNU, VP-16213, Ara-C and melfalan) and autografted. Of these 18 patients six were in relapse, six were partial responders and six failed CHOP-like therapy.

Large-scale purification and cryopreservation of human monocytes.

Human blood monocytes were purified by a new method capable of handling 3 X 10(9) mononuclear leukocytes, which does not involve adherence of the cells and takes about 3 h to perform. The yield of monocytes is 70%, the purity about 90% and the viability 99%. Monocytes purified by this method were cryopreserved at -196 degrees C.