Clinical and biological aspects of anti-P-ribosomal protein autoantibodies

Among the many clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), central nervous system (CNS) involvement is of a prognostic importance. In this respect, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies were shown by many to occur in association with SLE neuropsychiatric manifestations, mainly psychosis. The prevalence of anti-P antibodies was strongly related to disease activity wherein disease remission was associated with the disappearance of these antibodies. In addition to its association with CNS involvement, the occurrence of liver and kidney disease in SLE patients with anti-P antibodies was widely reported. Anti-P antibodies are able to bind T cells, monocytes, neurons and hepatocytes thereby enhancing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and both CNS and liver damage. Similar to the ability of anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-P antibodies were shown to penetrate into living cells, leading to cell dysfunctions such as cell apoptosis. These biological aspects may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE.