Immunological studies of patients with asbestosis. I. Studies of cell mediated immunity

A variety of cancers have been documented in patients exposed to asbestos dust. Since a deranged immune system may play a role in cancer development, the general level of immunocompetence was studied in 26 patients with radiographically defined asbestosis, who might be at risk of developing an asbestos-related neoplasm. Statistical comparisons were made with a comparable control group. A disproportionate number of the patients displayed cutaneous energy to certain recall antigens and to 2,4 dinitrochlorobenzene. In vitro studies of cellular immunity, as evaluated by phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferative and cytotoxicity assays, showed significantly lower values amongst the patient group. Serum inhibitors of mitogen-induced lymphoyte transformation were also detected in several of the patients. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.