The effect of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) factors on T suppressor cell function in in vitro studies in healthy persons and some autoimmune disorders.

Lysosome proteins derived from peripheral blood granulocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus erythematosus (LE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and recurrent uveitis cause the impairment of Con A-induced suppressor cell activity in two-step culture in vitro. This effect is independent of lysosome protease activity. Such a phenomenon, observed in vitro, may cause disturbances in suppressor cell function in the course of the above diseases.