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Lymphocytotoxic autoantibodies in progressive systemic sclerosis
K Herrmann1, J Schaller, U F Haustein
1Department of Dermatology, Karl-Marx-University, Leipzig, GDR.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers found lymphocytotoxic autoantibodies in the serum of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). These antibodies, specifically IgM, target CD4+ T lymphocytes, suggesting a role in PSS immunological disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is an autoimmune disease with complex immunological disturbances.
- The role of specific autoantibodies in PSS pathogenesis remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of lymphocytotoxic autoantibodies in patients with PSS.
- To determine the target cell population and immunoglobulin class of these autoantibodies.
Main Methods:
- Microlymphocytotoxicity assay was used to detect lymphocytotoxic activity in patient sera.
- Immunoglobulins were isolated and fractionated (IgM, IgG) to identify the active component.
- Western blot analysis was employed to identify the specific lymphocyte surface antigens targeted by the autoantibodies.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytotoxic activity was detected in 21 out of 53 PSS patients, with 9 showing autologous reactivity.
- The cytotoxic activity was primarily associated with the IgM immunoglobulin fraction.
- Western blot analysis revealed that the IgM autoantibodies targeted CD4+ T lymphocytes, with low probability of cross-reactivity with extractable nuclear antigens.
Conclusions:
- The study identified lymphocytotoxic IgM autoantibodies directed against CD4+ T lymphocytes in PSS patients.
- These findings suggest that lymphocytotoxic autoantibodies may contribute to the immunological abnormalities observed in progressive systemic sclerosis.