Medical expert of the article
New publications
Lupus erythematosus cells in the blood (LE cells)
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
LE cells are normally absent from the blood.
Lupus cells are a morphological manifestation of the immunological phenomenon characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus. They are formed as a result of phagocytosis by neutrophilic leukocytes (less often monocytes) of cell nuclei containing depolymerized DNA. The phagocytized substance is an immune complex consisting of lupus factor (antinuclear factor - IgG antibodies to the DNA-histone complex), remnants of the leukocyte nucleus, and complement.
Detection of LE cells is a specific sign of systemic lupus erythematosus. The study should be conducted before starting glucocorticosteroid therapy. A negative test result does not exclude the possibility of this disease. LE cells are detected in the early stages of the disease, as well as in severe nephrotic syndrome and loss of large amounts of protein in the urine. Lupus factor may be contained in bone marrow puncture, in protein fluids (exudates, urine protein in kidney damage). The frequency of LE cell detection in patients with acute systemic lupus erythematosus ranges from 40 to 95%. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, one can detect, firstly, lupus cells, secondly, free nuclear substance (hematoxylin bodies, Hargraves bodies) and, thirdly, "rosettes" - an accumulation of neutrophils around lupus cells. Lupus cells are most often found during an exacerbation of the disease. Their appearance in large numbers is a prognostically unfavorable sign. As the patient's condition improves during treatment, the number of LE cells decreases, and sometimes they disappear completely.
True LE cells should be distinguished from so-called tart cells and false lupus B cells. They differ from LE cells by morphological features and have no diagnostic value in systemic lupus erythematosus.
The LE phenomenon is observed, although quite rarely (up to 10% of cases), in plasmacytoma, severe liver damage, acute leukemia, acute rheumatic fever, erythroderma, miliary tuberculosis, pernicious anemia, intolerance to antibiotics (penicillin), nodular polyarteritis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura. In these diseases, as a rule, lupus cells are found in small quantities and inconsistently.
[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ]