Molecular signature of a public clonotypic autoantibody in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A “forbidden” clone in systemic autoimmunity

Abstract

The expression of a Ro 60-reactive public B cell clonotype in a subset of patients with primary SS as a long-lived, class-switched circulating autoantibody implies a common breach of B cell tolerance checkpoints in these patients. The unique heavy chain/light chain signature opens the possibility of tracking the development of a "forbidden" clone against a bona fide systemic autoantigen in human disease.