Normal numbers of phenotypic helper, suppressor, and total T cell populations in psoriasis vulgaris: quantitation by monoclonal antibodies.

Previous studies of E rosette-forming cells in the blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris have demonstrated conflicting results. Availability of a battery of monoclonal antibodies permitted quantitation of individual T cell populations in patients with psoriasis. Peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from twelve patients with extensive, active psoriasis and from fifteen normal controls were studied by indirect immunofluorescence. No statistically significant differences from control values were identified (p values were all greater than or equal to 0.4). These monoclonal antibodies provide highly specific reagents, previously not available, for identifying different lymphocyte phenotypes. Analysis of the data indicates that shifts in major T lymphocyte subpopulations are not present in patients with active psoriasis.