ANTIBODIES TO DNA - TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR ORIGIN AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

In 1997, the discovery of autoantibodies reactive with DNA celebrates its fortieth anniversary. Over these 4 decades, hardly any other singl e spontaneously produced antibody population has been subjected to suc h a wide scientific interest both from a basic immunological as well a s from a clinical point of view. From the time of their first descript ion, myths and enigmas regarding their biological origin have dominate d the scene. Only during the last few years results have been obtained that have justified new conceptual frameworks for the understanding o f the molecular bases for their production, as well as for their patho physiological potential in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Central , newly obtained experimental and clinical results that have profoundl y improved our understanding of the origin and biology of anti-DNA ant ibodies will be presented and discussed below.