Role of anti-DNA antibodies in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
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.
Deshmukh
Umesh S
US
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
Bagavant
Harini
H
Fu
Shu Man
SM
D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D018448:Models, Immunological
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear