title: Functional aspects of B cell autonomy in human thyroid disease.
abstract: To evaluate the functional aspects of B cell autonomy in human autoimmune thyroiditis we examined antigen-dependent antibody secretion using specific PFC assays for total immunoglobulin and antibodies to human thyroglobulin (hTg) and SRBC. A microculture system based on S. aureus and a macrophage-derived B cell differentiating factor provided the essential data on specific antigen induction of B cells in macrophage-depleted cultures of peripheral mononuclear cells (PMC). Anti-SRBC PFC were readily induced by SRBC-antigen in normal PMC but a significant reduction in responses was observed in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. 8 of 10 patients had anti-hTg PFC and none were observed in normal controls. However, only 3 patients showed hTg-antigen specific B cell induction. Varying mitogen and antigen concentrations, presentation of hTg in soluble or membrane bound forms, and adding helper and macrophage cell activity failed to induce specific hTg-antigen induction in the non-responsive patients. In conclusion, anti-hTg PFC were observed in the majority of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis but such B cell secretion was not usually subject to normal immunological control mechanisms. Furthermore, the reduced anti-SRBC response in patients indicated that non-specific abnormalities were also present in this organ specific disease.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D012756:Sheep; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D013954:Thyroglobulin / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D008934:Mitogens; D013954:Thyroglobulin