Mixed Lymphocyte Culture Typing Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated as a possible source of MLC typing cells. Lymphocytes from four patients that were non‐stimulatory for unrelated subjects suffering from the same disease were chosen for a preliminary analysis. Patterns of reactions obtained were interpreted as being due to LS specificities Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd and r. Ra was found to be included in all R types, but r and R appeared to be mutually exclusive. Ra was found also in the normal family JM, where it was inherited in association with a maternal haplotype HL‐A2, W10. In unrelated individuals these antigens did not show association with any particular HL‐A antigens. The methods described may offer a practical approach for further identification and study of MLC determinants.