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The purification and identification of circulating immune complexes in tuberculosis
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Circulating immune complexes (CIC) in tuberculosis patients contain immunoglobulin, complement, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. This research identifies the composition of these immune complexes, offering insights into the disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are present in tuberculosis (TB) patients.
- The specific composition of CIC in TB has remained largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding CIC composition is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize CIC from patients with mycobacterial diseases.
- To compare the composition of CIC in TB with CIC from other disorders.
- To identify specific antigens within TB-associated CIC.
Main Methods:
- Conglutinin affinity chromatography was employed for CIC isolation and purification.
- Ouchterlony analysis and sucrose density ultracentrifugation were used for characterization.
- Reactions with rabbit anti-BCG and precipitation inhibition assays were performed.
Main Results:
- CIC from TB patients contained IgG, IgA, Clq, C3, and C4.
- CIC showed a major peak in the 9S to 12S range, indicating larger complexes.
- Five of six TB patients had CIC reacting with anti-BCG, suggesting Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens.
Conclusions:
- Some CIC in tuberculosis patients are composed of immunoglobulins, complement, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens.
- These findings contribute to understanding the immunopathology of tuberculosis.
- The identified CIC components may serve as potential diagnostic or prognostic markers.