T and B cells and cell-mediated immunity in mycosis fungoides

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Abstract
T and B cells in peripheral blood were evaluated in 13 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and in two patients with Sálary's syndrome. T cells were identified by their capacity to bind sheep red blood cells to their surfaces and the B cells were identified by the presence of surface immunoglobulins in immunofluorescence assay. Seven patients with MF and two with Sázary's syndrome were shown to have T-cell values below normal and elevated levels of null cells, i.e., cells with markers for neither T nor B cells. Low T-cell values and elevated Null-cell values were found predominantly in patients with advanced mycosis fungoides (stages III–IV). Furthermore, these patients had impaired cell-mediated immunity, as shown by in vivo skin testing with recall antigens and attempts at sensitization to dinitrochlorobenzene.