Expression of Fc and complement receptors on peripheral blood monocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with SLE or RA display significantly altered phenotypes compared with those from healthy controls. The observed reduction in SLE of FcgammaRII may represent a mechanism by which monocytes are protected from IC-mediated activation. Prednisolone therapy and disease activity had little effect on phagocytic receptor expression. The observed changes may reflect the different cytokine profiles seen in SLE and RA.