Open AccessAn antibody‐like material in systemic lupus erythematosus directed toward a thermolabile serum macroprotein
Author(s) -
Epstein Wallace V,
Tan Margaret
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780160107
Subject(s) - thermolabile , antibody , immunology , antigen , pathogenesis , medicine , lupus erythematosus , immune system , autoantibody , immune complex , biology , biochemistry , enzyme
Abstract An antibody‐like material directed toward a thermolabile macroprotein present in all normal human sera has been identified in the sera of some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The antigen disappears from the serum when the antibody appears and the phenomenon is associated with hypocomplementemia and marked disease activity. The complex formed by the antigen and its antibody is intensely anticomplementary. Successful treatment of the SLE is associated with disappearance of this antibody and, over periods ranging from 1 to 9 months, reappearance of free antigen. This new antigen‐antibody system appearing during the active hypocomplementemic phase of some patients with SLE may be a factor in the pathogenesis of this immune complex disease.