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Suppressor T cell function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by vasculitis
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with vasculitis exhibit significantly reduced Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced suppressor T cell activity. This suggests RA vasculitis may represent a distinct disease subgroup.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Vasculitis is a serious complication of RA.
- Understanding immune dysregulation in RA vasculitis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced suppressor T cell activity in RA patients with and without vasculitis.
- To explore the role of T cell subsets and antibodies in RA vasculitis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed Con A-induced suppressor T cell activity in RA patients with vasculitis, RA patients without vasculitis, and healthy controls.
- Quantified T cells reactive with OKT8 monoclonal antibody.
- Measured antilymphocytotoxic antibodies.
Main Results:
- RA patients with vasculitis showed significantly lower Con A-induced suppression (24.6%) compared to RA patients without vasculitis (68.4%).
- A decreased proportion of OKT8+ T cells was observed in RA patients with vasculitis.
- RA patients with vasculitis had a higher prevalence of positive antilymphocytotoxic antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Reduced suppressor T cell activity in RA vasculitis is partly due to a diminished suppressor T cell subset.
- Elevated antilymphocytotoxic antibodies are associated with RA vasculitis.
- RA patients with vasculitis may constitute a distinct clinical entity.