Antibodies cross-reactive with DNA and cardiolipin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

Using a modified solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA), sera from 11 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that had high DNA binding activities were analysed for their ability to cross-react with phospholipids. Polyspecific anti-DNA antibodies that reacted with both ssDNA and dsDNA had the ability to cross-react with phospholipids, especially cardiolipin. The relationship between biological false-positive serological tests for syphilis (BFP-STS) and the magnitude of serum anti-DNA antibody levels is also discussed.