Cellular immunity deficiency and chemotaxis deficiency in children with rheumatoid arthritis

: Some immunological parameters have been examined in eleven children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A quantitative and functional defect in T lymphocytes has been observed associated with defective chemotaxis of neutrophils. High levels of circulating immune-complexes were detected in sera of 5 out 11 patients. 1 patient showed high levels of antinuclear antibodies and positivity for the rheumatoid factor. Immunological pathogenesis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.