Effect of plasmapheresis on E-rosette receptors in SLE patients

The present study reports on the effects of plasmapheresis on both cellular (E-rosette receptor- and Fc receptor-bearing lymphocytes) and humoral (antilymphocyte antibodies) immunity in patients with active SLE. Ten untreated patients were studied before and after two plasma exchanges. The E-rosette receptor-positive cells were studied by OKT11 monoclonal antibody and Fc receptor-bearing cells by Leu15 monoclonal antibody. Antilymphocyte antibodies were studied before and after plasma exchange by an indirect immunofluorescence technique on autologous and normal lymphocytes. A reduction in OKT11+ and Leu15+ lymphocytes was observed in all patients before plasmapheresis. Antilymphocyte antibodies were detected in five patients. After plasma exchange, an increase in E-rosette receptor- and Fc receptor-bearing lymphocytes was observed along with a reduction in the amount of antilymphocyte antibodies.