T lymphocyte subpopulations defined by monoclonal antibodies and FC receptor binding in relation to immunosuppression in vaccine-induced rubella infection.

Lymphocyte stimulation tests and determination of T lymphocyte subpopulations were undertaken before and 7-11 days after rubella vaccination of healthy subjects. The proliferatory response of blood mononuclear cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and purified protein derivate was suppressed after vaccination, as was the immunoglobulin production of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulated cultures. After removal of phagocytic cells the response to PHA was still suppressed after vaccination in most cases, but when the cultures were depleted of non-T lymphocytes the suppression was no longer demonstrable. The proportion of T lymphocytes with receptors for the Fc part of IgG increased after vaccination, whereas there was no significant change of the T lymphocyte subpopulations identified with monoclonal antibodies directed at the suppressor/cytotoxic or helper T cell subsets.