Interaction of immune complexes and T suppressor cells in sarcoidosis.
Circulating immune complexes were present in half of 31 patients with sarcoidosis and raised levels were associated with low numbers of T suppressor cells (T gamma- and Fc gamma-receptor-positive lymphocytes). Incubation of T cells with trypsin restored the percentage of T gamma cells to within or above the normal range. Incubation of normal lymphocytes with sarcoid immune complexes significantly reduced the number of detectable T gamma cells. Preincubation of normal lymphocytes with circulating immune complexes significantly reduced their blastogenic response to concanavalin A. These studies suggest an interaction between immune complexes and T suppressor cells in sarcoidosis and emphasise the importance of immune complexes in modulating the immune response.
D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D014357:Trypsin / Q000494:pharmacology
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D014357:Trypsin