Autoimmune reactions against liver cells by syngeneic neuraminidase-treated lymphocytes.

We have found that the entrapment of neuraminidase-treated lymphocytes in the liver leads to the induction of autoimmune cellular cytotoxic reactions. Lymphocytes from mouse spleen and thymus were incubated with neuraminidase in vitro and injected i.v. into syngeneic recipients. Lymphocytic infiltrations into the liver were seen 7 days later with both types of cells. After repeated weekly injections of asialo-lymphocytes, destruction of liver tissue became apparent. Electron-microscopic studies showed that hepatocytes, fat storage cells, and endothelial cells were affected, mainly at the hepatic periphery. It is concluded that the adhesion of asialo-lymphocytes to liver cells induces their cytotoxic activity. Similar reactions may occur after paramyxovirus infection due to the action of viral neuraminidase.