Nuclear antigens and antinuclear antibodies-their role in joint inflammation.

Nuclear antigens, including native DNA, denatured single-stranded DNA and soluble nucleoprotein are found in synovial effusions from a majority of all types of inflammatory joint disease. On the other hand, antinuclear antibodies are rarely detected in joint fluids, except in rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence that nucleoprotein and DNA immune complexes contribute to rheumatoid joint inflammation is reviewed.