IMMUNE FUNCTION IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITICS AND THEIR RELATIVES - INFLUENCE OF DISEASE AND HLA-B27

Abstract

To distinguish the separate influences of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and possible HLA B27 associated immune response genes on immune response patterns, a battery of immunological tests were performed on 14 patients with AS and their 1st-degree relatives. Previously unrecognized AS was detected by clinical and radiological means. Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis had significantly higher serum Ig[immunoglobulin]G and IgA concentrations than both their B27 positive and B27 negative relatives. B27 positive relatives had significantly lower phytohemagglutinin (PHA) lymphocyte transformations than B27 negative relatives (P < 0.01), while there was no difference between the ankylosing spondylitic and B27 positive groups. Antibody titers to streptokinase/streptodornase were significantly higher in the B27 positive individuals, with or without AS, than their B27 negative relatives (P < 0.005 and P < 0.02, respectively). Serum Ig differences were associated with disease, while differences in PHA stimulation and varidase antibody titers were associated with the B27 antigen. The presence of HLA associated immune response genes including those involved with reactions to a particular antigenic component of streptokinase/streptodornase may be indicated.