Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by broad clinical manifestations including cardiovascular and renal complications with periodic disease flares and significant morbidity and mortality. One of the main contributing factors to the pathology of SLE is the accumulation and impaired clearance of immune complexes of which the principle components are host auto-antigens and antibodies. The contribution of host lipids to the formation of these autoimmune complexes remains poorly defined. The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze candidate lipid autoantigens and their corresponding anti–lipid antibody responses in a well-defined SLE patient cohort using a combination of immunological and biophysical techniques. Disease monitoring in the SLE cohort was undertaken with serial British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) scoring. Correlations between specific lipid/anti-lipid responses were investigated as disease activity developed from active flares to quiescent during a follow up period. We report a significant negative correlation between anti-lipid antibodies for 24S-hydroxycholesterol, cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine with SLE disease activity. Taken together, these data suggest that lipid autoantigens represent a new family of biomarkers that can be employed to monitor disease activity plus the efficacy of therapeutic intervention in SLE.
Highlights
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease found predominantly in women
The role of lipids and anti-lipid responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases remains poorly defined in comparison to proteins and genetic factors based on the technical challenges inherent in their analysis
In SLE, the heterogeneity of disease presentations in patient populations combined with a poor understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms result in challenges for successful disease management
Summary
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease found predominantly in women. Numerous mouse and human studies have implicated dysfunctional cellular and immune components including autoimmune T and B lymphocytes [2,3,4]; elevated levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines [5]; formation of antinuclear antibodies [6]; accumulation and impaired clearance of postapoptotic cell remnants [7,8] or failure of FccR-mediated clearance of immune complexes [9] in the pathology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The role of lipids and anti-lipid responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases remains poorly defined in comparison to proteins and genetic factors based on the technical challenges inherent in their analysis. There is a requirement for a broader and more detailed analysis of the role of lipids in these diseases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
