LE cell

LE Cell

An image of an LE cell

An LE cell is a type of neutrophil or macrophage that has engulfed the denatured nuclear material of another cell. This phenomenon is typically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.

History

The LE cell phenomenon was first described in 1948 by Malcolm Hargraves, a hematologist at the Mayo Clinic. Hargraves observed these cells in the bone marrow of patients with SLE, and their presence became a diagnostic marker for the disease.

Formation

LE cells are formed when antibodies in the blood react with the cell nucleus, leading to the formation of immune complexes. These complexes are then phagocytized by neutrophils or macrophages, resulting in the characteristic appearance of an LE cell. The engulfed nuclear material is often referred to as "hematoxylin bodies" due to its staining properties.

Diagnostic Use

The presence of LE cells was once a primary diagnostic test for SLE. However, the test has largely been replaced by more specific and sensitive tests, such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody test. Despite this, the LE cell test remains a classic example of the body's immune response in autoimmune diseases.

Pathophysiology

In SLE, the immune system produces autoantibodies against nuclear components, such as DNA, histones, and other nuclear proteins. These autoantibodies form immune complexes that deposit in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. The formation of LE cells is a reflection of this underlying autoimmune process.

Related Pages

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Autoimmune disease
• Antinuclear antibody
• Neutrophil
• Macrophage