| Abstract: | The existence of cross-reactivity between Klebsiella antigens and cells from donors who are HLA-B27 positive and exhibit ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been reinvestigated. Cells and antisera from different laboratories have been tested together using simultaneously microcytoxicity, chromium release and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). No reproducible interaction has been found. Mitogenic stimulation did not induce cross-reactivity and 'transformation' of B27+AS- cells by Klebsiella culture supernatants failed. Two transformed cell lines from B27+ AS+ donors exhibited specific cross reaction with two anti-Klebsiella antisera but only by chromium release. Immunoprecipitation with these cells and antisera showed the absence of any AS+ -specific antigen. It is concluded that the involvement of Klebsiella in ankylosing spondylitis through simple immunological cross-reactivity or through interaction with HLA-B27 is unlikely. |
