In 22 patients with thermal injury, the cellular immunity as measured in vitro by the lymphocyte transformation test was studied at different intervals post burn. A temporary increase in PHA responsiveness was observed shortly after the trauma. At the same time, the response to antigens and allogeneic lymphocytes was diminished. Unilateral mixed lymphocyte culture tests revealed a decrease in both the responding and the stimulating capacity of the lymphocytes of burn patients. The observed alterations in lymphocyte reactivity were somewhat more pronounced and lasted longer in the severely injured patients. All parameters resumed normal values after 4–6 weeks. Evidence was provided which suggests, together with recent data from literature, that this altered cellular responsiveness might be based on some influence on the central lymphoid system, possibly resulting in a shift of lymphocyte subpopulations in the circulating pool in favour of the B-cells. Although other explanations are also given for the observed alterations, the underlying mechanism remains obscur
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