Quantitative and functional deficit of suppressor T cells in children with atopic eczema

Helper (OKT4+) and suppressor (OKT8+) T cells were enumerated in 16 children with severe atopic eczema. Compared to controls (median 1 . 8) the ratio of OKT4+/OKT8+ cells in the patients was significantly higher (median 2 . 65, P less than 0 . 002). Functional suppressor activity in these patients was assessed by concanavalin A (Con A) activation and suppression of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced immunoglobulin production by plasma cells and Con A proliferation of T cells. In both assays a lack of suppression was shown (Con A/PWM, P less than 0 . 02; Con A/Con A, P less than 0 . 05). There was a significant inverse correlation between the helper/suppressor ratio and functional suppressor activity (P less than 0 . 01). These results indicate that a defect of T cell regulation does exist in atopic eczema and if it is of primary pathogenic importance, immunotherapy to restore the balance may prove useful.