Nephritogenic antibodies in lupus nephritis.

A critical discussion of data on the possible role of IgG3 cryoglobulins, cross-reactive anti-DNA antibodies and anti-DNA idiotypes in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis is included. A further possibility involving cationic nuclear autoantigens is presented in detail. Histone was employed as a model antigen, representative of this group. Histones were shown to have high affinity for the rat GBM; they could also act as planted antigen and induce IC formation; furthermore they were able to mediate the binding of highly anionic DNA. The demonstration of histones in glomerular deposits in both lupus mice and patients with SLE is important evidence, linking such molecules with the kidney lesions.