Immunologic studies on Werner's syndrome

Five patients with Werner's syndrome were studied to elucidate the relationship between the immune system and the ageing process. Three of five patients had neoplasms such as fibrosarcoma, meningioma and thyroid adenoma but none of the five patients manifested symptoms and signs suggestive of typical autoimmune disorders. Most immunohaematological data were normal; however, two patients exhibited diminished lymphocyte functions such as a significant (P less than 0 . 05) reduction in pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced B cell differentiation, a slightly decreased response to Con A- or mitomycin-treated allogeneic lymphocytes and naturally occurring serum antibody to T cells. While these immunological changes were quantitatively small, subnormal levels of immune functions were detected. Cultured fibroblasts exhibited a decrease in clonal growth potentials and elongation of newly synthesized DNA, a decreased expression of HLA antigens, and a diminished secretion of beta 2-microglobulin.