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The red-cell immune system.

I Siegel, T L Liu, N Gleicher

    Lancet (London, England)
    |September 12, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Red blood cells possess immune functions beyond respiration. They efficiently clear immune complexes and may link antigens to T cells, suggesting a fundamental mammalian immune role.

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    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Hematology
    • Cellular Biology

    Background:

    • Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are primarily known for oxygen transport.
    • Emerging evidence suggests erythrocytes possess significant immune functions.
    • The C3b receptor is crucial for the clearance of immune complexes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the immune function of red blood cells.
    • To explore the phenomenon of red-cell immune adherence.
    • To determine the role of red blood cells in immune complex clearance and T cell interaction.

    Main Methods:

    • Observation of red-cell immune adherence in primates and rabbits.
    • Quantification of C3b receptor distribution in human circulation.
    • Analysis of red cell adherence to antigen-antibody-complement complexes, thymocytes, and T cells.

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    Main Results:

    • Red blood cells exhibit immune adherence to antigen-antibody-complement complexes.
    • Approximately 95% of circulating C3b receptors are on red blood cells.
    • Red cells are 500-1000 times more efficient than white cells in clearing immune complexes.
    • Red cells adhere to autologous thymocytes and T cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Red blood cells play a critical role in the innate immune system by clearing immune complexes.
    • Red-cell immune adherence is a conserved mammalian immune mechanism.
    • Erythrocytes may function as intermediaries, bridging antigens and T cells to facilitate adaptive immune responses.