| Abstract: | We studied the expression of Epstein-Barr virus receptor (EBVR/CR2) on lymphoblastoid cell (LCL) lines established from 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the T cell suppression of IgM secretion by EBV activated B cells. Ten patients had normal T cell suppression of IgM secretion, whereas 13 patients had defective suppressor T cell function. EBVR expression on LCL was assessed using a rabbit anti-gp 140 IgG; Raji cells, used as reference cell line expressed 50,000 EBVR, a 140 k glycoprotein (gp 140). Patients with defective T cell suppression of IgM secretion by EBV activated B cells had a significantly higher EBVR expression on LCL than patients with normal T cell suppression (mean +/- SD; 50.8 +/- 23.8 vs 29.5 +/- 13.2, respectively; p less than 0.05). These data suggest a relationship between the T cell suppression defect and an increased EBVR expression on LCL from patients with RA. |
