Abstract

This study demonstrates a significant reduction in the number of both total T cells and suppressor T cells identified by monoclonal antibodies in multiple sclerosis patients in acute relapse but not in those in remission. The reduction in the number of suppressor T cells was shown by all three monoclonal antibodies used but was most clearly demonstrated using Leu 2a rather than either OKT 8 or OKT 5. These findings suggest that the choice of monoclonal antibody used in a study of suppressor T cell numbers will influence the results and may help explain the lack of agreement in previous studies.