Lymphocytes forming stable E-rosettes in acute and chronic hepatitis.

Lymphocytes forming E-rosettes with sheep erythrocytes which do not disintegrate at 37 degrees C have been demonstrated in increased numbers in peripheral blood of patients with acute type B hepatitis (6--20% of lymphocytes) and with HBsAg negative active chronic hepatitis (9--28% of lymphocytes). They were not increased in patients with HBsAg positive active chronic hepatitis. Such lymphocytes were adherent to nylon wool and a large proportion of them had FcIgG receptors (21--69%). These are properties of a subpopulation of T lymphocytes having suppressor function.