Deficiency of short-lived suppressor cells controlling T-lymphocyte colony formation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Short-lived suppressor cell (SLSC) activity controlling T-lymphocyte colony formation in vitro was evaluated in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). No SLSC activity was found in patients in acute phase of the disease. On the other hand, patients in remission frequently had higher SLSC activity than controls. No correlation between colony count and thymidine incorporation as well as T-cell numbers was found in ALL patients.