T suppressor cell function and number in children with liver disease.

Con A stimulated suppressor cell function and the proportion of suppressor T cells were reduced in children with untreated chronic active hepatitis (CAH) but were normal in corticosteroid treated CAH patients, patients with severe acute hepatitis and inactive chronic liver disease. Adults with CAH also have defective suppressor function but a normal proportion of T suppressor cells. This difference may account for the observation that relapse after treatment withdrawal is less frequent in children than in adults.