The NADPH oxidase-dependent formation of reactive oxygen species (“oxygen radicals”) by
phagocytic cells constitutes an important part of the innate immune defence against
microorganisms. Recent studies in animal models imply that a deficient function of the
NADPH oxidase may be linked to the development of autoimmunity, but a link between
oxygen radical production and severity of autoimmune disease in humans has not been
established. We have examined the oxygen radical production in peripheral blood …