Researchers identify the origin of subset of autoantibodies that worsen lupus johnshopkins NatureComms
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body's own antibodies that normally protect against pathogens attackPreviously, researchers could not pinpoint why the severity of SLE is so varied amongNature Communications
"Our findings provide a simple explanation for the differences of anti-DNA antibodies in SLE by demonstrating that some of these autoantibodies have multiple functions," says corresponding author Felipe Andrade, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Anti-DNA antibodies are a hallmark of patients with SLE. However, not all anti-DNA antibodies will cause disease, and their origin remains unknown. For this study, clues as to why this phenomenon occurs came from the discovery of a different antibody that attacks the enzyme DNase1L3. This enzyme helps clear DNA from dead cells, but when it is blocked by antibodies, DNA builds up in the body, causing inflammation.
Based on these findings, researchers also investigated the function and origin of these antibodies using molecular analysis. They were surprised to discover that antibodies previously thought to be specific to either DNA or DNase1L3 were actually a single antibody with the ability to attack both molecules.
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