Antilymphocyte antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus. Effect on lymphocyte surface characteristics.

Antilymphocyte antibodies in SLE bind to normal lymphocytes and are not always associated with lymphocytotoxic activity. Detection of these antibodies on the surface of normal lymphocytes by immunofluorescent techniques is enhanced by short incubation periods, reduced temperature, and metabolic inhibition. The same effects occur in SLE blood and may influence the enumeration of B lymphocytes as determined by surface immunoglobulin. The percent of T lymphocytes forming sheep erythrocyte rosettes is not affected by these antibodies.