Immunologic studies of lymph node lymphocytes in the generalized lymphadenopathy syndrome

A generalized lymphadenopathy syndrome (GLS) occurs in persons at high risk for development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The natural history and immunologic status of patients with GLS are not fully known, although in some persons GLS may progress to full AIDS. We present the clinical and immunologic findings in two children with severe hemophilia A with nonprogressive GLS for 18-24 months. The functional activity in vitro of lymphocytes from both peripheral blood and biopsied lymph nodes were compared. The peripheral blood lymphocytes responded normally to both mitogens and antigens; lymph node lymphocytes failed to respond to antigens, but did respond to mitogens. The implications of these abnormalities for understanding the pathogenesis of GLS are discussed.