Responses of Fractionated Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Normals to Plant Mitogen: Evidence for a Suppressor Population of Monocytes

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Abstract
Three populations of blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and from normal controls were examined for their responses to graded concentrations of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). In normal controls, 3H thymidine uptake of unfractionated cells (FH) was greater than that of T [thymus-derived] cells (Fab Col). In contrast, SLE Fab Col cells responded better than FH [Ficoll-Hypaque isolated mononuclear cells] cells in 44% of patients tested. SLE mononuclear cells devoid of adherent monocytes (NRIg) also responded better than FH cells. Hyporesponsiveness to PHA seen in some SLE patients is probably moderated by an adherent cell which may be functioning as a suppressor cell.