Systemic lupus erythematosus. Antibodies to DNA, DNA-binding proteins, and histones.

Pathogenic autoantibodies to DNA are frequently associated with autoantibodies to chromatin-associated proteins such as histones or the Ku (p70/p80) antigens. In view of the increasing evidence that autoantibody production is antigen-driven, and because DNA is packaged with proteins in the cell, we suggest that anti-DNA antibodies may arise in response to DNA-protein complexes rather than naked DNA. Recent studies of the specificities of autoantibodies directed against the components of nucleosomes and transcriptional complexes are consistent with this hypothesis. The possible clinical significance of immune recognition of various types of chromatin complexes in autoimmune disease is discussed.