title: Lymphocytotoxic antibodies in family members of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: 57% of sera from 124 relatives of 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were found to have antibody directed against lymphocytes. The incidence in 60 members of 16 control families was 3%. Both consanguineous and nonconsanguineous relatives had the antibody in their sera. 68% of close household contacts of the SLE patients showed lymphocytotoxic antibody whereas only 23% of consanguineous relatives who had no household contact with the probands had this antibody. These data suggest that environmental factors may be important in the pathogenesis of SLE.
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D003241:Consanguinity; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies