Composition of cellular infiltrates in rejected human corneal allografts.

We utilized the leu series of monoclonal antibodies and an indirect immunoperoxidase technique to quantitate the cellular infiltrates in seven rejected human corneal allografts and compared them to nine identically processed corneas from patients with chronic herpetic stromal keratitis and to three control corneas. The cellular infiltrates in the rejected allografts were of mixed composition, comprised predominantly of leu-1 positive T-lymphocytes and leu-M3 positive macrophages. Both helper and cytotoxic-suppressor T-cells were identified in the stromal lesions. Statistically significant differences were noted in the absolute number of mononuclear cells and macrophages seen infiltrating the rejected corneal allografts compared to the herpetic corneas. We discuss the implications of these findings with regard to possible mechanisms underlying corneal allograft rejection in man.