Lymphocytes binding C-reactive protein and streptococcal membranes in acute rheumatic fever

Peripheral blood lymphocytes binding CRP and streptococcal membrane antigens were studied in 19 patients with ARF with the use of a number of paired analyses for cell surface markers. A small fraction (6.9%) of T cells showed binding to streptococcal membrane. A large degree of overlap (38% to 46%) occurred in membrane-binding T cells and those with identifiable CRP. One third of Tγ cells showed CRP binding, and approximately one quarter of Tγ cells in both ARF patients and normal controls showed membrane la antigen. A considerable concordance (50% to 75%) was noted between T cells binding streptococcal membrane and cells positive for la antigen. In contrast to T cells, B cells bearing CRP showed less overlap (mean 11%) with cells binding streptococcal membrane. Since B cells with concomitant surface immunoglobulin and la antigen constituted the major lymphocyte subpopulation binding streptococcal membrane antigens, relative exclusion of streptococcal membrane binding by B cells with surface CRP may represent natural protective modulation whereby proportions of potential antigen-binding B cells are defused by lymphocyte membrane CRP. © 1980, All rights reserved.