IgM antibodies against dsDNA in SLE.

IgG antibodies against dsDNA are involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) glomerulonephritis. In contrast, glomerulonephritis is rare in SLE patients with IgM antibodies against dsDNA. Therefore, a possible protective effect of IgM antibodies has been studied in more detail. In murine models of SLE, the lack of secreted IgM was associated with more severe glomerulonephritis. In more recent studies, the treatment of lupus-prone mice with a murine IgM monoclonal antibody against dsDNA prevented renal damage. Furthermore, the clearance of pathogenic immune complexes may be improved by IgM. Therefore, IgM antibodies against dsDNA are indeed protective and may be a new treatment modality of lupus nephritis in humans.