The phenotypic characterization of lymphocyte subpopulations in established human periodontal disease

Abstract

Phenotypic characterization of lymphoid cell subpopulations in the lesionof established chronic inflammatory periodontal disease in man was carried out using indirect immunofluorescence to dectct the presence of human thymocyte antigen, human myeloid antigen, IgG‐and IgM‐bearing cells in situ in the lesion. The majority of lymphiod cells were IgM‐positive T‐cells were found. These results suggest that established chronic infalmmatory periodontal disease in man should be considered as a B‐cell lesion. The role of the T‐cells in the lesion May be primarily one of helper activity, although cell‐mediated immune mechanisms cannot be precluded.