Cell-mediated immune response in patients with type IIa, type IIb and type IV primary hyperlipoproteinaemia.

Plasma lipoproteins inhibit immune function. Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) and monocyte activities, and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-driven B cell differentiation in patients with type IIa, type IIb and type IV primary hyperlipoproteinaemia were evaluated. Evidence is provided for a selective impairment of these functional capacities in type IIa and type IIb hyperlipoproteinaemic patients, while immune responsiveness is unaffected in type IV primary hyperlipoproteinaemia. The data suggest a specific immune dysfunction in patients with type IIa and type IIb primary hyperlipoproteinaemia.