Binding of SLE autoantibodies to native poly(I), ROS-poly(I) and native DNA: A comparative study

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in a variety of human diseases . The formation of pathogenic anti-DNA antibodies in systemic lupus erythem atosus (SLE) has been extensively investigated. ROS-modified DNA has been f ound to be a better antigen for anti-DNA antibodies found in SLE sera. A co mparative binding of SLE autoantibodies with native poly(I), ROS-poly(I) an d nDNA has been studied. Affinity-purified SLE I-G exhibited a high degree of specificity towards the ROS-modified poly(I) in comparison to native DNA and native poly(I), reiterated visually by gel retardation assay. The data suggested that hydroxyl radical-modified nucleic acids like RNA and DNA mi ght be agent for the induction of circulating SLE anti-DNA autoantibodies. (C) 2001 Academic Press.