POLYCLONAL B-CELL ACTIVATION, CIRCULATING IMMUNE-COMPLEXES AND AUTOIMMUNITY IN HUMAN AMERICAN VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (1) , 58-66
Abstract
In a prospective study, serum and plasma samples from 17 patients with Kala-azar were collected in Rio de Janeiro [Brazil]. High levels of immune complexes (IC) were detected in serum by 125I-Clq [complement component lq] and conglutinin binding assays. The Clq binding material had a sedimentation coefficient of 19-25S, as determined by ultracentrifugation on sucrose gradient. Plasma levels of C3 and C3 breakdown products were measured and the C3d levels were increased in 6 of 11 patients. The occurrence of polyclonal B cell activation was suggested by a marked increase of serum IgG and IgMs level and the presence of antibodies against various proteins and haptens (SRBC [sheep red blood cells], DNP-BSA [2,4-dinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin], FITC-BSA [Fluorescein isothiocyanate-BSA], KLH [keyhole limpet hemocyanin]). There was a close association between the presence of IC and anti-Ig antibodies. Anti-smooth muscle antibodies were also observed. The data are consistent with a major role of polyclonal B cell activation in the induction of IC during visceral leishmaniasis.