B cell and T cell lymphopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract The absolute number and proportion of B and T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was determined in 16 active and 11 inactive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The total number of B and T lymphocytes was significantly reduced when compared to normals. The population of thymus-derived cells seems to be the one predominately affected. These abnormalities improve, but are not completely reversed, when patients are in remission.