Torgny Hallberg

A Comparison between Fc Receptors for IgG1 and IgG3 on Human Monocytes and Lymphocytes Using Anti‐Rh Antibodies

Abstract. In a rosette assay with human erythrocytes equally sensitized with anti‐Rh antibodies, the Fc receptor‐bearing (FcR) cells are much more numerous among monocytes than among lymphocytes. FcR monocytes could be detected using IgG1 and/or IgG3 antibodies although a higher percentage of FcR cells is observed with sera containing IgG3. FcR lymphocytes are detectable almost only with sera containing IgG3 antibodies. If the anti‐Rh antibodies are restricted to IgG1 none or single FcR cells could be found. The application of mixed rosette assay with fluorescein‐stained erythrocytes sensitized with IgG3 and unstained red cells sensitized with IgG1 allowed documentation of the presence of receptors for both subclasses on monocytes as well as on lymphocytes although some differences between these cells were observed. Almost all FcR monocytes bind both IgG subclasses, although in different proportions. On the contrary, most FcR lymphocytes bind only or mainly IgG3, but receptors for IgG1 can also be detected.

Evolution of three lymphocyte markers in newborn, preterm infants.

Nine newborn, preterm infants have been studied at the ages of 1-3 days, 8-10 days and 22-24 days for surface markers on peripheral blood lymphocytes. As compared to adult controls, four of the infants had a low proportion of sheep RBC binding lymphocytes at birth, but at 1-3 weeks of age all infants had reached the adult level. Lymphocyte receptors for Fc of IgG and for complement, although both mainly characterizing non-T cells, evolved differently post partum: the proportion of Fc-receptor-bearing lymphocytes tended to increase with age of the infant, whereas already at birth complement receptor-bearing lymphocytes were at or above the adult level.

C2 Deficiency, Moderately Low lgG2 Concentrations and Lack of the G2m(23) Allotype Marker in a Child with Repeated Bacterial Infections

ABSTRACT. C2 deficiency was demonstrated in an 11‐year‐old boy with a past history of recurrent purulent otitis media, pneumonia, H. influenzae meningitis and S. pneumoniae septicaemia. The major histocompatibility complex haplotypes present, A10, B18, DR2, BF*S, C2*QO, C4*A4, C4*B2 and A28, B18, DR2, BF*S, C2*QO, C4*A4, C4*B2, were in accord with previous observations in C2 deficiency. The concentrations of C1q, C5, factor B and factor D were in the low normal range and the hemolytic activity of the alternative pathway was slightly decreased. In addition, the patient showed moderately low IgG2 concentrations and lacked the IgG2 subclass marker G2m(23). The findings indicate that the patients susceptibility to bacterial infections may be due to C2 deficiency in combination with the presence of an IgG allotype associated with impaired antibody responses to carbohydrate antigens.

PPD testing as a diagnostic aid in non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis. Clinical and immunological investigations in 4 children with cervical lymphadenitis.

Abstract. Hallberg, A., Hallberg, T. and Holmberg, L. (Department of Paediatrics, Malmo Allmanna Sjukhus, and Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden). PPD testing as a diagnostic aid in non‐tuberculous mycobacteriosis. Clinical and immunological investigations in 4 children with cervical lymphadenitis. Acta Paediatr Scand, 69:511, 1980.—Four children suffering from unilateral cervical lymphadenitis with histopathological changes typical of mycobacteriosis were seen during a short time. None of the Children had been BCG vaccinated. Mycobacteria belonging to the Myobacterium aviumintracellulare complex were isolated from excised lymph nodes in two of the patients. Intracutaneous tests with PPD from M. tuberculosis were negative in all the children, whereas two children responded to each of 3 PPDs prepared from atypical mycobacteria. Two patients were unreactive in all the skin tests. Lymphocyte transformation tests in vitro with a battery of various PPDs indicated sensitization to atypical mycobacteria in two children, one of which was negative in the skin tests. All the patients had normal plasma Ig concentrations but two patients had low proportions of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. One of these also had reduced total numbers of T cells. Nevertheless, lymphocyte responses in vitro to phytohaemagglutinin were normal in all the children. The results show that cutaneous and in vitro tests with a battery of different PPDs have a place as diagnostic adjuncts in atypical mycobacteriosis. We suggest that immunological competence is analysed in such patients.

BCG VACCINATION AS A CAUSE OF MULTIFOCAL OSTEOMYELITIS IN A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

ABSTRACT. A 12‐year‐old girl with multifocal skeletal sclerosis has been investigated. She was BCG vaccinated at birth and developed regional lymphadenitis in her left groin at two months of age. She was healthy until approximately 10 years of age, after which deficient height and weight gain occurred. BCG‐itis was diagnosed in skeleton lesions. No evidence of immunodeficiency was found in the patient. After antituberculous treatment, the skeleton lesions, previously seen at bone scan, had disappeared. There has been a dramatic effect on her weight gain, growth and general well‐being.

Separation of lymphocyte subsets by expanding velocity sedimentation of E-rosettes at unit gravity

An expanding velocity sedimentation procedure at unit gravity has been used to separate human lymphocyte subsets on the basis of E-rosette formation. It is shown that the method allows gentle yet efficient separation of T and non-T lymphocytes in a continuous gradient of colloidal silica (Percoll). Less efficient separation was obtained in gradients consisting of polymerized sucrose (Ficoll 70). The technique offers a special advantage in the possibility of separating lymphocytes binding differing numbers of indicator red cells. The method should be generally adaptable to various rosetting techniques, including systems where the indicator cells are attached with weak bonds. As judged by vital staining, the lymphocytes are in excellent condition after the separation.

Lymphocyte Receptors for Human Erythrocytes in Newborn Infants and Adults

Lymphocyte receptors for human erythrocytes (HRBC) have been demonstrated by an optimized technique using neuraminidase-treated HRBC and high-protein diluent. Mean values of 55 and 50% reactive lymphocytes were found in the peripheral blood of newborn infants and adult donors, respectively. The HRBC receptor was labile under tissue culture conditions in vitro, in contrast to the receptors for sheep erythrocytes, Fc of IgG, and complement. Short-term culturing of lymphocytes with T cell mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A) increased the proportion of HRBC-receptor-bearing lymphocytes. Pokeweed mitogen, being mainly a B cell stimulator, was less effective in activating lymphocytes to resynthesize the receptor. It is concluded that the HRBC receptor is probably not a stable marker for a single subpopulation of human T lymphocytes. During the first week of life, the HRBC receptor is expressed on at least the same proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes as in adults.