Cold lymphocytotoxins in connective tissue disorders

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Serology

Background:

• Cold lymphocytotoxic antibodies are found in various conditions.
• Their prevalence and specificity in connective tissue disorders require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cold lymphocytotoxic antibodies in patients with connective tissue disorders.
• To investigate the specificity and potential associations of these antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Sera from patients with connective tissue disorders, relatives, and staff were tested for cold lymphocytotoxic antibodies.
• Absorption studies were performed to assess antibody specificity.
• Red blood cell antibodies (anti-I or HI) were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Cold lymphocytotoxic antibodies were found in 71% of systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 27% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• No antibodies were detected in relatives; a low incidence (3.8%) was found in controls.
• Red blood cell anti-I or HI antibodies were present in 28% of those with cold lymphocytotoxic antibodies.
• Antibody presence did not correlate with disease activity, transfusions, pregnancies, age, R3 titre, or antinuclear factor.

Conclusions:

• Cold lymphocytotoxic antibodies are frequently present in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• These antibodies do not show T or B cell specificity and are not associated with disease activity or common clinical factors.