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- Title
Immune complexes containing serum B-cell activating factor and immunoglobulin G correlate with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Authors
Friebus-Kardash, Justa; Branco, Leonore; Ribi, Camillo; Chizzolini, Carlo; Uyen Huynh-Do; Dubler, Denise; Roux-Lombard, Pascale; Dolff, Sebastian; Kribben, Andreas; Eisenberger, Ute; Trendelenburg, Marten
- Abstract
Background. B-cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is important for the survival of autoreactive B-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the association between serum BAFF levels and SLE disease activity is controversial. Independently, autoantibodies targeting BAFF [immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-BAFF] have also been described in SLE patients and were associated with increased disease activity. The aim of our study was to analyse the relationship between SLE disease manifestations and serum levels of BAFF, IgG anti-BAFF and BAFF–IgG complexes. Methods Levels of serum BAFF, IgG anti-BAFF and BAFF–IgG complexes were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgG anti-BAFF and BAFF–IgG complexes were further characterized using serum fractions obtained by fast protein liquid chromatography. To study the association of serum BAFF, IgG anti-BAFF and BAFF–IgG complex levels with SLE manifestations, 373 visits from 178 patients prospectively included in the Swiss SLE Cohort Study were analysed. Results While IgG anti-BAFF levels were not associated with clinical manifestations of SLE, serum BAFF levels correlated with disease activity and were higher in patients with renal involvement. Interestingly, we could also demonstrate the occurrence of BAFF–IgG complexes of different sizes in the sera of SLE patients, which were not due to treatment with belimumab and differed from complexes constructed in vitro. Most strikingly, the levels of these BAFF–IgG complexes were found to strongly correlate with overall disease activity, low complement levels and a history of lupus nephritis. Conclusion BAFF–IgG complexes strongly correlate with disease activity in SLE patients, suggesting a pathogenic role in SLE.
- Subjects
IMMUNE complexes; BLOOD serum analysis; TALL-1 (Protein); IMMUNOGLOBULIN G; SYSTEMIC lupus erythematosus
- Publication
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 2018, Vol 33, Issue 1, p54
- ISSN
0931-0509
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/ndt/gfx220