Quantitative changes in T helper or T suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets that distinguish acquired immune deficiency syndrome from other immune subset disorders.

Quantitative measurements of the immune cell subgroups, T helper (Leu 3+/OKT4+) cells and T suppressor/cytotoxic (Leu 2+/OKT8+) cells, were made in patients having acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with Kaposi's sarcoma and in patients with AIDS and opportunistic infection, as well as in three other relevant populations. These included patients with lymphadenopathy syndrome, e.g., homosexually active males with lymphadenopathy who sought medical care for additional symptoms, and healthy male homosexuals, as well as a control population. Decrease in the number of T helper cells is characteristic of AIDS with Kaposi's sarcoma or opportunistic infection. Augmentation of the T suppressor/cytotoxic cell population is rare in AIDS with Kaposi's sarcoma but is more frequent in AIDS with opportunistic infection. Augmentation of the T suppressor/cytotoxic cell population, however, may occur in a variety of circumstances, including cytomegalovirus and other viral infections, in healthy, homosexually active males, and in otherwise healthy hemophiliac subjects receiving factor VIII treatment. Reduced T helper:T suppressor/cytotoxic cell ratio can be caused by either decrease in the number of T helper cells or augmentation of the T suppressor/cytotoxic cell population. Lowered T helper:T suppressor/cytotoxic cell ratio does not, by itself, help to distinguish between AIDS and other causes of reduced ratios. Quantitative measurements are needed to define the T subset changes. AIDS is characterized by decrease in the number of T helper cells and reduced T helper:T suppressor/cytotoxic cell ratio. The T helper (Leu 3+) and T suppressor/cytotoxic (Leu 2+) cell subpopulations can change independently. Identification of decrease in the number of T helper cells as an alteration that occurs independently of numerical change in other lymphoid subpopulations, such as T suppressor/cytotoxic cells and B cells, and the close association of the decrease in the number of T helper cells with AIDS are consistent with a distinct pathogenesis (and cause) for AIDS.