The antiperinuclear factor. II. Variability of the perinuclear antigen.

Since the antiperinuclear factor (APF) test on human buccal cells is rather unpredictable, we have investigated the possible factors determining the expression of appropriate antigens by the cells. We failed to find any relationship of the expression of perinuclear antigens to the donor's smoking habits, the degree of contamination with saprophytic bacteria, the presence or absence of blood group substances in saliva, or the titers of serum antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus. Family studies were also performed to further elucidate a genetic predisposition to the expression of the APF antigen.