Role of T gamma and T mu sub-set lymphocytes in allergic disease.

In the present study, 48 students (30 non-atopics and 18 rhinitic allergic individuals) were studied for relative concentrations of T (E-rosette-forming sheep red blood cells) and T mu and T gamma sub-sets. Insignificant differences in T-cells were found between the two groups and only slightly higher T mu and slightly lower T gamma relative concentrations were observed. However, examinations of T mu/T gamma ratios for each individual revealed a strikingly higher ratio between these two groups, particularly in those individuals whose IgE exceeded 200 u/ml. Interpretation of the role of the T mu and T gamma sub-sets, particularly with regard to helper and supressor activities in allergic disease, is discussed in the text.