[T lymphocyte activation induced in vivo by the first injection of OKT3 monoclonal antibodies].

One of the major side effects induced by the in vivo administration of the murine monoclonal antibody OKT3 is a spontaneously reversible clinical syndrome associating in variable proportions depending on the patient: fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea and seldomly meningismus. Sera from 3 renal allograft recipients treated with OKT3 were studied and showed that a massive although transient release of some cytokines namely, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, Interleukin 2 and Interferon gamma is observed following the first OKT3 injection.