Cross-Reactivity of Anti-DNA Antibodies: a New Clue for the Pathogenesis of SLE?

Abstract

Publisher Summary Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of a great variety of apparently unrelated antibodies, thought to be a consequence of polyclonal B cell activation. The recognition of molecules with repeating negatively charged groups by anti-DNA antibodies was further substantiated by the finding that the anionic sulfonated polyaromatic dye Cibacron blue F3GA coupled to Sepharose C14B (CB) could be used to purify anti-DNA antibodies from SLE sera. At this moment, a large number of cross-reactive antigens are recognized by monoclonal and polyclonal anti-DNA antibodies. Based on the cross-reactions with phospholipids it has been suggested that phosphodiester linked phosphate groups are the cross-reactive moieties. It is possible that a number of auto-antibody specificities apparently present in SLE sera are caused by anti-DNA antibodies. These cross-reactions might also have implications for the immunopathological events that are operative in SLE. Most tissue lesions in SLE are considered to be the consequence of depositions of DNA anti-DNA immune complexes.