Abstract

Sixty members of 4 families prone to cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and a genetically determined precursor nevus syndrome underwent extensive Immunologic evaluation. The most consistent finding was a diminished In vitro response to pooled alloantlgens In the one-way mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) and a tendency to low T-Iymphocyte and B-Iymphocyte levels. When compared to controls, low B-Iymphocyte levels and reduced MLC responses were found not only In family members with CMM and/or precursor nevi but also In unaffected blood relatives and spouses. The genesis of the Immune dysfunction and Its possible relationship to melanoma pathogenesis remain to be clarlfled

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