Further observations on the response of synovial lymphocytes to viral antigens in rheumatoid arthritis.

Synovial lymphocyte responses to viral antigens were measured in repeated tests over periods of up to 3 years in 4 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, one of whom was rheumatoid factor positive. Consistent responses to adenovirus, mumps and cytomegalovirus were demonstrated. Responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes were almost always much less than synovial lymphocyte responses. Synovial lymphocyte phytohemagglutinin responses were greatly reduced and usually less than synovial lymphocyte antigen responses.