OKT8-binding lymphocytes in diseases of the nervous system

OKT8-binding lymphocytes, which consist mainly of suppressor-cytotoxic T cells, were demonstrated in blood and CSF by an immunochemical method. In patients with non-inflammatory diseases, the mean value was 18% in blood and 19% in CSF. In acute viral infections of the CNS, on the other hand, the percentage was significantly lower in the initial days of the disease but then increased up to the 5th week. Eleven patients suffering from multiple sclerosis had similar percentages of OKT8-binding cells, whether or not they had acute symptoms.