Activated idiotype-reactive cells in suppressor/cytotoxic subpopulations of monoclonal gammopathies: Correlation with diagnosis and disease status

Abstract

The phenotypic pattern of peripheral blood T (PBT) lymphocytes was correlated with diagnosis and clinical status in 63 patients with monoclonal gammopathies (MGs). The numbers of lymphocytes expressing activation and CD11 determinants were significantly increased in suppressor/cytotoxic and helper/inducer subpopulations of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and MG of undetermined cytotoxic cells was closely correlated with diagnosis and disease status. These cells were significantly higher in MM at diagnosis (160 ± 88) than MGUS patients (61 ± 79; P < .01). Their number decreased to MGUS levels in MM in stable remission (58 ± 53), but not in MM with tumor progression (172 ± 102; P