Relationship of HLA Phenotype to Immunoglobulin Class Present in Immune Complexes From Patients with Behçet's Syndrome

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Abstract
The Ig class of circulating immune complexes (IC) was examined in 35 patients with Behcet''s syndrome (BS) according to the HLA phenotype of these patients. Cold precipitable complexes were separated and assayed by laser nephelometry and polyethylene glycol precipitable complexes were assayed by rocket immunoelectrophoresis for IgG, IgA and C3 [complement component 3]. Apparently in patients with BS, HLA-B12 is associated with an increased proportion of IgG and a decreased proportion of IgA and C3 in their IC, while the converse was found with HLA-B5 or DRw2. The ratio of IgA:IgG in IC was therefore low in patients with HLA-B12 but high in those with HLA-B5 or DRw2. A linkage may exist between HLA and gene(s) determining the Ig class, in response to antigenic stimulation or the site of antigen localization.