Characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate in lupus erythematosus lesions using monoclonal antibodies.

The inflammatory infiltrates of cutaneous lupus lesions from 14 patients with benign cutaneous, subacute cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus were examined for T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and Ia positive cells using monoclonal antibodies and a peroxidase antiperoxidase technique. T cells and Ia positive cells were present in abundance followed by B cells then macrophages. Approximately equal numbers of helper/inducer T cells (OKT4, Leu3a) and suppressor/cytotoxic T cells (OKT8, Leu-2a) were present in the inflammatory infiltrate.