Differences in dynamics of specific anti-nuclear antibodies and their susceptibility to B cell targeting treatment in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

The presence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) is characteristic for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibody dynamics over time are thought to reflect the cellular source of ANAs and their therapeutic targetability. Anti-dsDNA is the most prevalent and well-studied of all ANAs, and fluctuations in anti-dsDNA serum levels are associated with disease activity. Antibody dynamics of other ANAs, such as antibodies targeting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), are often considered more stable compared to anti-dsDNA. However, anti-RBPs may be heterogeneous in nature and their fluctuation has not been extensively analysed. Therefore, we aimed to study the dynamics of the different ANAs and their susceptibility to B cell targeting treatments in SLE patients.