Various autoantibodies are seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related disorders. Each of these antibodies has its own significance.
Various autoantibodies have been found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related connective tissue disorders. Antibody tests help with diagnosis; evaluate flares, disease progression; and determine kidney disease (lupus nephritis), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA); Targets Multiple nuclear antigens in cell nuclei ; prevalence in SLE = > 95 percent ; No Correlation with Disease Activity; Clinical Significance= An American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE although this test isn't specific for SLE
- Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) ; Targets Double-stranded DNA in cells ; prevalence in SLE-=40-80 percent; Positive correlation with disease activity; Significance = Associated with lupus nephritis, severe active disease; also an ACR criteria for SLE
- Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibody; Targets antigens comprised of at least 8 polypeptides in the Sm-snRNP complex ; prevalence in SLE= 30-40 percent ; Positive correlation with disease activity; Significance- Often an indication of disease severity independent of anti-dsDNA antibody fluctuations; An ACR criteria for SLE
- Anti-nucleosome antibody; Targets antigens comprised of DNA wrapped around core histones ; prevalence in SLE= 50-90 percent ; Positive correlation with disease activity; Clinical signifcance= IgG3 subtypes associated with lupus nephritis and flares
- Anti-anionic phospholipids antibodies [Mostly anti-cardiolipin (aCL) ] ; Targets phospholipid antigens; Prevalence in SLE= 21-53 percent ; Positive correlation with disease activity; clinical significance= Associated with thrombosis and pregnancy loss [antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)]
- Anti-Beta2 glycoprotein1 antibodies; Targets human plasma protein, B2GP1 ; prevalence in SLE= 17-49 percent ; Correlation with Disease Activity Debated ; Clinical Significance= No correlation with ANA, APS
- Anti-C1Q antibodies; Target Complement Protein ; Prevalence in SLE= 30-50 percent ; Correlates with nephritis activity ; Clinical Significance= Lupus nephritis, correlates with anti-dsDNA antibodies.
Resource:
Richard Hughes and Sarea Ul-Hasan, Searching For Clues, Anti-dsDNA antibodies have a role in detection and monitoring of SLE, Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals, Nov 5, 2007: 24-27.
