Warning: The NCBI web site requires JavaScript to function. more...
Specialized Center of Research on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. usd7w@virginia.edu
Despite a good association between anti-DNA autoantibodies and lupus nephritis, it is difficult to determine the pathogenic potential of an anti-DNA autoantibody response. It is proposed that anti-DNA antibodies can exert their pathogenic effects through deposition as immune complexes in the kidney or through the recognition of cross-reactive antigens in the kidneys. Several studies in literature demonstrate that cross-reactivity of anti-DNA antibodies with kidney antigens is critical for their pathogenic potential. This raises the question whether DNA is responsible for the activation and selection of B cells generating cross-reactive anti-DNA antibodies. Recent studies suggest that antigens other than DNA can initiate an antibody response that is cross-reactive with dsDNA. Moreover, we and other have demonstrated that lupus nephritis can occur in the absence of anti-DNA antibodies. Thus, reactivity to dsDNA should be considered as one of the characteristic of polyreactive autoantibodies and not a primary requisite for the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
Your browsing activity is empty.
Activity recording is turned off.
Turn recording back on