[Flow cytometric analysis of T lymphocyte subsets after human bone marrow transplantation using monoclonal antibodies and dual immunofluorescence].

ABSTRACT

Using monoclonal antibodies and a dual immunofluorescence technique, we studied the abnormalities of T lymphocyte subsets after human marrow transplantation. T lymphocytes bearing HLA-DR antigen increased both in patients with acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Parallel to a decrease in CD4+ cells, a CD4+ 2H4+ subset decreased and gradually recovered with time while the percentage of CD4+ 4B4+ cells increased. A significant increase of CD8+ cells observed after marrow transplant corresponded mainly to an increase in CD8+ CD11- cells. Patients with chronic GVHD tended to have a higher proportion of CD8+ CD11+ cells. These results indicate abnormalities of T cell subsets among both CD4+ and CD8+ cells after marrow grafting.