Possible in vivo modulation of Leu 2a expression on suppressor T cells in active multiple sclerosis

Reduced numbers of suppressor T lymphocytes were identified by monoclonal antibodies in the peripheral blood of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in acute relapse. In vitro culture of cells from these patients resulted in a significant increase in the number of cells identified with the suppressor T cell marker Leu 2a but not OKT 8. The expression of other T cell antigens (Leu 4 and Leu 3a) remained unchanged. This change in Leu 2a expression did not occur when cells from healthy controls were similarly treated.