Cytokines and systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoantibodies in SLE B cells are hyperactive in patients with SLE and produce a range of antibodies spontaneously. 1 These include both autoantibodies and antibodies directed against other exogenous antigens. 1 Patients may have circulating autoantibodies against multiple nuclear, cytoplasmic and membrane antigens, with most of these being targeted towards intracellular nucleoprotein particles. In vivo studies have also suggested that factors apart from naked DNA are required to produce anti-ds DNA antibodies, as mice injected with naked DNA do not develop lupus. 6 There is growing evidence to support the notion that the nucleosome is the key nuclear autoantigen in SLE. 7 High titres of high affinity IgG anti-ds DNA antibodies are virtually exclusive to SLE and are strongly associated with renal and cardiovascular/respiratory disease. 1 T cell help necessary for antibody production is mediated via cytokines. [...]when tolerance breaks down and autoantibodies are produced, it would seem likely that cytokines have a part to play in the process.