The role of beta(2)-glycoprotein I in the antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibodies were originally thought to bind negatively-charged (aniomic) phospholipids. Current evidence suggests that the target antigen is considerably more complex and includes beta(2)-glycoprotein I, a phospholipid-binding plasma protein. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of the antiphospholipid syndrome has increased exponentially with a number of studies into the interactions of antiphospholipid antibodies and beta(2)-glycoprotein I.