THE ROLE OF ANTI-DNA ANTIBODIES IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Anti-DNA antibodies seem to be produced as a consequence of polyclonal B cell stimulation which eventually can be skewed to anti-body formation mainly directed at nuclear antigens. Anti-DNA antibodies can be pathogenic in lupus nephritis as an element in circulating immune complexes, but more likely because they are directed against intrinsic renal antigens. Anti-DNA antibodies are certainly not the only factor involved in lupus nephritis as cellular immune phenomena play a role as well. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.