In vitro complement activation by intercellular antibodies.

By in vitro complement immunofluorescence, 6 sera from pemphigus with intercellular antibodies were tested for their capability to fix C1q, C4, C3, and properdin. All 6 serum samples yielded positive reaction for C3 staining. Three serum samples gave positive staining for C1q, 5 serum samples for C4, and 3 serum samples for properdin, respectively. Substitution of C2 deficient serum as a complement source inhibited C3 and properdin staining but not positive C1q and C4 staining. These results are best explained by the concept that complement activation in vitro by intercellular antibodies occurs via the classical pathway followed by assembly of the C3 amplification mechanism.