Open AccessThe interaction of antibody/dna immune complexes with complement
Author(s) -
Taylor Ronald P.,
Edberg Jeffrey C.,
Kujala Gregory A.,
Sloman Andrew J.,
Wilson Cara C.,
Cronin Mary E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780300208
Subject(s) - antibody , dna , immune complex , immune system , complement system , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , clearance , systemic lupus erythematosus , biology , immunology , biochemistry , medicine , disease , pathology , urology
In 28 serum and plasma samples from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, we examined the importance of antibody class with respect to complement‐mediated binding to human red blood cells (RBC) of antibody/DNA immune complexes (IC) prepared with anti‐DNA antibodies. We used both 3 H–double‐stranded DNA and 3 H–single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA). Generally, double‐stranded DNA IC showed considerably higher binding than did ssDNA IC in the RBC binding assay. Further analysis indicated that although ssDNA IC fix complement, it is necessary that these IC contain IgM anti‐DNA antibodies in order for them to bind to RBC. The results suggest that the mechanisms of clearance and pathogenic potential of these IC may depend upon both the DNA conformation and antibody class. In particular, complement‐fixing IC which contain IgG anti‐DNA antibodies and ssDNA may not be cleared via the erythrocyte clearance mechanism, and therefore, could be more likely to deposit in certain tissues and initiate inflammatory reactions.