Biologic Activity of Cold-Reacting Autoantibodies

Abstract

(Second of Two Parts)Reactions of Non-Erythroid Cells with Cold AgglutininsRecently, it has been shown that cold agglutinins react with Ii antigens on many types of normal and malignant cells in addition to red cells. In the presence of complement, the interaction of cold agglutinins with these cells in vitro leads to the death of the cells and sometimes to lysis. Cytotoxic cold-reacting antibodies distinguishable from cold agglutinins have also recently been recognized.LymphocytesIn 1966, Franks reported that anti-I and anti-i cold agglutinins were absorbed at 4°C by adult human leukocytes, suggesting that these cells possess the I . . .