SUPPRESSOR-CELL DEFECT IN SLE - RELATIONSHIP TO NATIVE DNA-BINDING

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (1) , 72-76
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests the presence of a suppressor T [thymus-derived] cell defect in systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. The presence of such a defect was confirmed and a strong quantitative correlation between the loss of suppressor T cell function and the activity of SLE as measured by the presence of antibodies to native DNA was found. The serum of patients with active SLE contained a soluble factor which when incubated with normal peripheral blood lymphocytes induced a suppressor T cell defect. These data were consistent with the suppressor cell defect being involved in the propagation and possibly the pathogenesis of SLE and suggests a positive feedback mechanism whereby a suppressor cell defect results in autoantibodies including antibody to suppressor cells.