Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and B-and T-cell activity in the peripheral blood of myasthenia gravis patients.

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was found to be significantly decreased in whole blood as well as in purified lymphocyte preparations from myasthenia gravis patients. Decreased ADCC was found not to correlate with the clinical classification nor with the therapy regimen, including immunosuppressive agents. PHA, Con A, and PPD responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes was normal. Likewise no significant decrease was observed in the T-and B-cell distribution in the peripheral blood.