Anti-T cell antibodies in primary glomerulonephritis.

Lymphocytotoxic antibodies are frequently found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and several viral infections and are presumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases through the modulation of lymphocyte subsets. Accordingly, using a slightly modified E rosette inhibition test, we investigated anti-T cell antibodies in lupus nephritis and various forms of primary glomerulonephritis to determine the correlation with lymphocyte subsets, macrophages and serum immune complexes. Patients with active lupus nephritis showed the highest titers and incidences of anti-T cell antibodies. Titers and incidences in primary glomerulonephritis were less than in lupus nephritis. Among the various forms of glomerulonephritis, the titers and incidences were greatest in membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis and minimal change nephrotic syndrome, next in membranous glomerulonephritis, and least in IgA glomerulonephritis. The antibodies were positive in the stages of nephrotic syndrome or macrohematuria of these diseases. If detected, antibodies were associated with decreased T and T gamma cells, increased numbers of macrophages and elevated serum immune complexes. These data suggest that anti-T cell antibodies are cytotoxic to T and T gamma lymphocytes and modulate the immunological network, thus playing an important role in the pathogenesis of various forms of glomerulonephritis.