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Evaluation of the C1q solid-phase binding assay for immune complexes. A clinical and laboratory study
M Scullion1, G Balint, K Whaley
1Pathology Department, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology
|April 1, 1979
Summary
The C1q binding assay rapidly detects immune complexes in biological fluids. This sensitive method is a valuable tool for assessing disease activity in conditions like SLE.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Circulating immune complexes (CICs) are implicated in various autoimmune diseases.
- Accurate detection of CICs is crucial for monitoring disease activity and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a solid-phase C1q binding assay for detecting CICs in biological fluids.
- To assess the assay's sensitivity, reproducibility, and clinical utility in different patient cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Solid-phase C1q binding assay.
- Gel filtration chromatography (Sepharose 6B).
- Detection of radiolabelled antigen (BSA) in immune complexes.
Main Results:
- The assay is rapid, sensitive (≥1 µg aggregated IgG), and reproducible.
- It detects CICs at four-times antigen-excess and across a wide molecular weight range.
- CICs are frequently found in SLE patients, correlating with disease activity better than C3, C4, or DNA binding.
- Higher CIC levels were observed in RA synovial fluid compared to serum.
Conclusions:
- The C1q binding assay is a useful clinical tool for detecting specific types of CICs.
- It shows promise for monitoring disease activity, particularly in SLE and RA.
- The assay can also be used for detecting antigens within immune complexes.