Selective deficiency of cytotoxic B lymphocytes in man

Abstract

A patient is described with macroglobulinaemia, a variety of autoantibodies, and gross deficiency of lymphocytes showing cytotoxicity against antibody-sensitized target cells in vitro. Antibody production in response to tetanus toxoid, delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin, and lymphocyte transformation with phytohaemagglutinin are normal. The patient's macrophages have normal phagocytic activity against sensitized sheep red cells. These results are contrasted with those found in other patients with myeloma and macroglobulinaemia. The application of lymphocyte function tests in the assessment of immunological status is discussed.