Suppressor T-lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis: analysis of patients with acute relapsing and chronic progressive disease.

T cell-specific antigens as identified by the anti-Leu 1, anti-Leu 2a, and anti-Leu 3a monoclonal antibodies were quantitated in 31 normal control subjects, 21 adults with spinal cord injury, 58 patients with stable multiple sclerosis, 31 patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, and 15 patients with multiple sclerosis in acute relapse. The only significant deviations from normal values were a slightly low mean T cell (Leu 1-positive) value in patients in acute relapse and a low suppressor T cell (Leu 2a-positive) mean value in patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. We were unable to confirm previous studies using the OK series of monoclonal antibodies that reported low suppressor T cell levels (OKT5 and OKT8 positive) in patients with acute relapses. We suggest that modulation (a spontaneous or induced variability in the expression) of individual cell surface antigens may explain the differences seen between our study and other reported series.