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Lymphocyte functions in Wegener's granulomatosis
Journal of Medicine
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Wegener's granulomatosis patients show normal T and B cell counts but impaired cellular immunity. Some patients had reduced responses to tuberculin active peptide (TAP) and diminished skin test reactions, suggesting a partial immune deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Wegener's granulomatosis is a complex autoimmune disease.
- Understanding its impact on immune function is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lymphocyte function in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis.
- To identify potential cellular immune deficiencies associated with the disease.
Main Methods:
- Assessed T and B lymphocyte subpopulations.
- Measured lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P), concanavalin A (Con A), and tuberculin active peptide (TAP).
- Performed multi-antigen skin testing.
Main Results:
- T and B lymphocyte subpopulations were within normal ranges.
- Four out of ten patients exhibited decreased lymphocyte responsiveness to TAP, but not to Con A or PHA-P.
- Skin test reactivity was reduced in most patients, with diminished responses to multiple antigens.
Conclusions:
- Wegener's granulomatosis may involve a partial deficit in cellular immune mechanisms.
- Impaired T-cell mediated immune responses could contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.