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4 years ago in Biology , Immunology By Adi

How do anti-DNA antibodies function in systemic lupus erythematosus?

In my immunology research, anti-dsDNA antibodies are the classic SLE biomarker, but their direct pathogenic role is often stated without deep mechanistic explanation. I understand they form immune complexes, but how exactly do those complexes drive such widespread tissue damage, particularly in the kidneys?

 

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By Arjun Patel Answered 3 years ago

From my work in autoimmune diagnostics, I see anti-dsDNA antibodies as more than simple binders; they are active drivers of inflammation. Their primary mechanism is indeed forming circulating immune complexes that get trapped in tissues like the glomeruli in kidneys. However, I would emphasize that these deposited complexes then trigger the complement cascade, recruiting inflammatory cells that release damaging cytokines and enzymes. Crucially, some subsets of these antibodies can directly bind to renal antigens, a process called cross-reactivity, and others can even penetrate living cells, disrupting normal cellular functions. It's this combination of inflammatory ignition and direc.

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