The modifying effect of autologous serum on leukocyte migration inhibition by liver antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The leukocyte migration test was used to examine patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for evidence of cell-mediated immunity to human liver microsomes and mitochondria. Testing of both these antigens with leukocytes from patients was carried out simultaneously in culture medium enriched by either 20% fetal bovine serum (the standard test) or substituted 20% autologous serum. Normal controls showed little or no reactivity in the standard test whereas the SLE group revealed a high incidence of significant leukocyte migration inhibition to both antigens which, however, was considerably reduced by the substitution of autologous serum. The results suggest that the sera of patients with SLE contain factor(s) capable of blocking the in vitro expression of cell-mediated immunity to human tissue antigens. These factor(s), if active in vivo, might have a role in controlling some of the auto-immune manfestations of the disease.