Serological correlations with nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoantibodies have long been thought to participate in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. In this regard, antibodies to double stranded (ds)DNA and ribosomal P protein have been studied the most intensively. We now report a new specificity, antibodies to lipoprotein lipase (LPL) that is strongly associated with lupus nephritis and has a powerful synergistic effect with anti-ribosomal P antibodies in its association with nephritis. The recognition of anti-LPL antibodies and their synergy with anti-P antibodies are discussed in terms of the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.