Interference of beta 2-microglobulin specific autoantibodies with EA-binding of human peripheral lymphocytes; inhibition of B-cell and enhancement of T-lymphocyte Fc-receptors.

The effect of anti-beta 2 m-specific autoantibodies was investigated on the FcRs of human PBMCs. Anti-beta 2 m autoantibodies inhibited the FcRs of the lymphocyte subpopulation detectable by rosetting with EA(hu). On the contrary, when EA(ox) indicator system was used, in the majority of the cases an enhancement of EA rosette formation was detected. Using separated lymphocyte subpopulations we found that the binding of anti-beta 2 m autoantibodies increased the number of FcR+ non-B-cells and inhibited that of B-lymphocytes.