Studies on Leukocyte Migration Inhibitory Factor Production by T Lymphocytes in Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

The response of peripheral blood T lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A) assessed by the production of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF), was studied in patients with acute viral hepatitis type B and in patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis carrying hepatitis B surface antigen (HB_sAg). Lymphocytes from patients in the acute period of the disease and in severely active chronic aggressive hepatitis showed the ability to respond by LMIF production while lymphocytes from patients with moderately active chronic aggressive hepatitis were unable to do so. In parallel, it was shown that lymphocytes from the latter group of patients were capable of suppressing Con-A-induced LMIF production. Thus, mitogen-induced mediator production may be a useful parameter in the further characterization of chronic viral hepatitis.

Historical context of Poznań immunology

“…Uczestniczyło w nim około 1000 immunologów z całej Europy. Dorobek naukowy Spotkania został wydany drukiem jako osobna monografia 8 . Nie brakowało kłopotów logistycznych jak sale obrad, transport czy zakwaterowanie.…”