The immune response and the connective tissue diseases.

Immunological aberrations are recognizable in a number of the connective diseases such as SLE and RA. Some of these abnormalities are reviewed, in particular the variety of circulating auto-antibodies and their possible relationship to disease, as well as some evidence for involvement of circulating immune complexes. A number of these abnormalities have become the basis for essential tests in the diagnosis and management of these disorders and helping monitor their response to therapy.