Abstract
Antibody-dependent, allergic autocytotoxicity (ACT) is an in vitro process through which WBC from patients and/or controls, passively sensitized with RAST positive serum, are damaged in the presence of corresponding food antigens. Studies among 13 patients, sensitive to cow milk, corn and wheat, and 13 asymptomatic controls revealed that antibody-dependent ACT is mediated by thermolabile cytotoxic factor, presumably IgE antibody. The resultant cellular interactions might contribute to the induction of the autoimmune response.