Reaction of systemic lupus erythematosus antinative DNA antibodies with native DNA fragments from 20 to 1,200 base pairs

Thymine and guanine base specificity of human myeloma proteins with anti-DNA activity

To further our understanding of the molecular basis of DNA-autoantibody interactions, we have characterized the specificities of three IgG human myeloma proteins that bind DNA. We measured their binding to synthetic single- and double-stranded homopolynucleotides, random and alternating copolymers, oligonucleotides, and nucleotides or nucleosides conjugated to non-nucleic acid carriers. All three antibodies bound single-stranded nucleic acids, including both polyribonucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides. They varied in relative affinities for polynucleotides of varying base composition. Polymers containing the purines guanine or hypoxanthine and/or the pyrimidine thymine were most reactive with all three proteins. A myeloma protein that reacted with poly(G), poly(I), or poly(dT) also bound to the corresponding nucleosides or nucleotides conjugated to bovine serum albumin. None of the antibodies reacted with base-paired double-helical polynucleotides (double-stranded RNA, RNA-DNA hybrid or double-stranded DNA). The results indicate that base specificity is prominent in their reactions and that the accessible epitopes in single-stranded polynucleotides become masked upon base pairing in double-stranded helices. These findings suggest a model in which positions N1 and O6 of guanine and hypoxanthine and N3 and O4 of thymine interact with amino acids of the antibody-combining site.

Polynucleotide specificities of murine monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies

Three IgM monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies were produced by hybridoma techniques from an MRL-lpr/lpr mouse using denatured DNA (dDNA) as the selection antigen. All three antibodies also bound poly(dT), poly(rA), and the single-stranded random copolymer poly(dI,dT), and each antibody displayed a unique preference for a limited array of other ribo- and deoxyribopolynucleotides based on direct binding as well as inhibition studies. Inability to identify a common primary structure in the polynucleotides reactive with each antibody suggested that higher ordered structures may be important. This notion was supported by the finding that oligomers of thymidine of 25-30 nucleotides or less were ineffective in blocking antibody binding to dDNA or poly(dT). However, deliberate destabilization of putative secondary structures by decreasing counterion concentration and increasing temperature had little effect on antibody binding to poly(dT). Since the antigenic polynucleotides in general contain little known secondary structure and considerable flexibility, antibody binding may be accompanied by local conformational changes in the polynucleotide that result in a better fit to the antibody combining site.

Variations in duplex DNA conformation detected by the binding of monoclonal autoimmune antibodies

Four monoclonal antibodies (Jel 229, 239, 241, 242) which bound to duplex DNA were prepared from two autoimmune female NZB/NZW mice. Their binding to various nucleic acids was investigated by a competitive solid phase radioimmune assay which allows the estimation of relative binding constants. None of the antibodies showed any consistent variation of binding constant with base composition and thus they must recognize features of the DNA backbone. Jel 241 binds across the major groove but the interaction with poly(pyrimidine) X poly(purine) DNAs was barely detectable. This antibody appears to recognize the "alternating-B" conformation which is promoted by methylation of pyrimidines in alternating sequences. The other three antibodies bind in the minor groove. In particular, for Jel 229 the preferred antigen was poly(dG) X poly(dC) with only weak binding to poly(dA) X poly(dT). This suggests a requirement for a wide minor groove. Thus autoimmune antibodies provide examples of "analogue" recognition and can be used to detect structural variations in the grooves of duplex DNA.

A rapid ELISA for measurement of antibodies to nucleic acid antigens using UV-treated polystyrene microplates

Pretreatment of polystyrene microplate wells with certain doses of UV light enhances their capacity for binding to single-stranded DNA, double stranded DNA and various synthetic polynucleotides. The use of UV-irradiated plates to immobilize nucleic acid antigens provides a simple, rapid, and specific ELISA for measuring anti-nucleic acid antibodies. The assay is at least as sensitive as the more complex method of precoating plates with poly(L-lysine). It is useful for detection of anti-DNA antibodies in sera of systemic lupus erythematous patients, as well as in culture fluids of murine and human anti-DNA-secreting hybridomas.

Monoclonal antibody for DNA measurement in biological fluids

Two highly sensitive immunoassays for measuring soluble DNA are described. These methods employ a purified mouse monoclonal anti-DNA antibody in enzyme-linked immunoassays. One assay is an antigen capture method utilizing immobilized antibody. Bound DNA is subsequently detected with biotinylated monoclonal anti-DNA antibody, avidin-coupled horseradish peroxidase and a chromogenic substrate. The limit of detection of the assay was 2 ng/ml of DNA. A competition assay relying on immobilized heat-denatured DNA was also designed. In this assay the solution to be analyzed is mixed in equal proportions with monoclonal anti-DNA antibody and the mixture is incubated in the DNA-containing microtiter plates. The inhibition of antibody binding as detected with peroxidase-conjugated anti-mouse IgG was proportional to the concentration of DNA in the sample. The competition assay was tested for its ability to detect DNA in human plasma. The detection limit of DNA in plasma was approximately 150 ng/ml. The assays were compared in their ability to detect various size fragments of DNA. The competition assay was capable of detecting DNA fragments as small as 30 base pairs. In contrast, the capture assay failed to detect low molecular weight fragments up to 150 base pairs although its sensitivity for undigested DNA was comparable to the competition assay. The assay may be of use in the rapid quantitation of low levels of DNA, especially low molecular weight DNA and may also be useful in measuring DNA in human plasma.

Antibodies to DNA

Antibodies that recognize specific conformational variations of DNA structure provide sensitive reagents for testing the extent to which such conformational heterogeneity occurs in nature. A most dramatic recent example has been the development and application of antibodies to left-handed Z-DNA. They provided the first identification of Z-DNA in fixed nuclei and chromosomes, and of DNA sequences that form Z-DNA under the influence of supercoiling. Antibodies have also been induced by chemically modified DNA and by synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides that differ from the average B-DNA structure. These antibodies recognize only the features that differ from native DNA. In most experiments, native DNA itself is not immunogenic. Antibodies that do react with native DNA occur in sera of patients with autoimmune disease, but even monoclonal anti-DNA autoantibodies usually react with other polynucleotides as well. Anti-DNA antibodies, especially those of monoclonal origin, provide a model for the study of protein-nucleic acid recognition.

Binding of monoclonal anti-native DNA autoantibodies to DNA of varying size and conformation

A microchemical assay for phosphorus was applied to the measurement of DNA in immune complexes formed with monoclonal or serum anti-DNA autoantibodies and DNA of varying size and conformation. Two monoclonal antibodies were produced by hybridomas derived from spleen cells of autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice and were purified from culture fluid by affinity chromatography on columns of goat anti-mouse Ig-Sepharose. Double-helical DNA fragments were prepared by brief digestion of calf thymus DNA with micrococcal and S1 nucleases and fractionation on Sepharose 4B; their double-stranded structures was confirmed by measurement of thermal denaturation. Immune complexes were formed with monoclonal or serum antibodies and native DNA or DNA fragments or denatured DNA; the complexes were precipitated with goat anti-mouse IgG and washed, and DNA phosphorus content of the precipitates was measured. With one monoclonal autoantibody (H241), there were discontinuous increases in the amount of DNA that could be bound (and decreases in the antigen concn required for half-maximal binding) as the DNA size increased. There were especially marked increases in binding efficiency as fragment size increased from an average of 100 (range 85-105) to an average of 150 (range 105-170) base pairs, and again between 450 (range 360-620) and 600 (range 425-825) base pairs. A second monoclonal antibody (H143) did not show significant variation in binding with DNA fragments larger than 300 base pairs. With smaller fragments, the amount of DNA bound by H143 was reduced, but the DNA concn required for half-maximal binding was not. Affinities of these monoclonal antibodies were within the spectrum of human systemic lupus erythematosus serum IgG anti-DNA autoantibodies. The dependence of binding on mol. wt is important in the evaluation of these monoclonal antibodies as biochemical reagents and as potential participants in formation of immune complexes in vivo.

DNA affinity column chromatography: application in the isolation of distinct antibody populations from SLE sera

An improved method was developed for purification of anti-DNA antibodies by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) affinity column chromatography. The effectiveness of this method was examined by measuring the recoveries and purifications of various monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Results showed that this method gave good recoveries and purifications of anti-DNA antibodies. Furthermore, by this method, it was possible to isolate antibody populations with distinct specificities from polyclonal antibodies, as shown by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Therefore, this method should be useful for characterization of polyclonal antibodies in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as of autoimmune lupus mice.

A monoclonal antibody specific for the duplex DNA poly[d(TC)].poly[d(GA)]

Although most duplex DNAs are not immunogenic some synthetic DNAs such as poly[d(Tm5C)].poly[d(GA)] are weakly immunogenic allowing the production of monoclonal antibodies. The specificity of one of these antibodies, Jel 172, was investigated in detail by a competitive solid-phase radioimmune assay. Jel 172 bound well to poly[d(TC)].poly[d(GA)] but not to other duplex DNAs such as poly[d(TTC)].poly[d(GAA)] and poly[d(TCC)].poly[d(GGA)]. The binding to poly[d(Br5UC)].poly[d(GA)] was enhanced while that to poly[d(TC)].poly[d(IA)] was decreased compared to poly[d(TC)].poly[D(GA)]. Thus, not only is the antibody very specific for a sequence of duplex DNA but it also appears to recognize functional groups in both grooves of the helix.

The fine specificity of IgG antiguanosine antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus

The antigen specificity, isotype, and subclass of antinuclear antibodies may be related to their pathogenicity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our laboratory found that IgG antibodies that bound the nucleoside, guanosine, occurred frequently in SLE patients. In contrast, sera from healthy subjects contained IgM but not IgG antiguanosine antibodies. The present studies were designed to characterized the fine specificity of IgG antiguanosine antibodies in SLE and compare them with IgM antiguanosine antibodies in normal sera. Serum antinuclear antibodies from six healthy subjects and six SLE patients were isolated by affinity binding to guanosine and measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgM in normal sera, and both IgM and IgG in SLE sera bound guanosine. IgM antiguanosine antibodies in normal sera were polyspecific and bound other nucleosides and 1-methylguanosine but not denatured DNA (ssDNA). In contrast, IgG antiguanosine antibodies from the SLE patients bound guanosine and ssDNA but not other nucleosides or 1-methylguanosine. SLE IgM antiguanosine antibodies had the same fine specificity and bound guanosine and ssDNA but not any of the other nucleosides. These results suggest that SLE IgG and IgM antiguanosine antibodies have fine specificity in contrast to the polyspecific IgM antibodies in normal sera. In addition, subclass analysis indicated that all SLE patients had either IgG1 or IgG3 subclass of antiguanosine antibodies that bind complement. Characterizing the isotype, subclass, and fine antigen specificity of antiguanosine antibodies should assist in evaluating their potential pathogenicity in SLE.

Monoclonal anti-poly(rA) hybridoma antibodies from an autoimmune MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mouse

Three B cell hybridomas were produced by the fusion of spleen cells from a 5 month old MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mouse with the myeloma cell line, NS-1. By competitive inhibition, all three monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) were specific for poly(rA) and were inhibited to a lesser extent by dDNA, nDNA, poly(rI) and poly(rC). Moreover, the three MoAb were not inhibited by mononucleosides and the nucleotide, ATP. Competitive inhibition, using poly(rA) of defined lengths, showed that the recognition site among the MoAb varied, one demonstrating binding of poly(rA) as small as two bases in length. This study suggests that the spontaneous autoimmune repertoire to poly(rA) is restricted as compared to other monoclonal autoantibodies to nucleic acids, but contains within itself microheterogeneity.

The specificity of antibodies elicited by poly(dG).poly(dC)

Antibodies have been raised to the synthetic DNA polymer poly(dG).poly(dC). These antibodies have the ability to distinguish this right-handed polymer from natural mixed sequence DNA, as well as from other right- and left-handed synthetic DNA polymers. They show reduced but measurable binding to synthetic polymers which contain various combinations of guanine and cytosine polynucleotides suggesting that both helical shape and sequence are recognized by this antiserum.

Effect of corticosteroids on serum antinuclear antibodies in man

The effect of prednisone on serum levels of IgG antibodies to viral and bacterial antigens was measured and compared to its effect on IgG antibodies to nuclear antigens in 8 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Prednisone at 15-80 mg/day (mean 55 mg/day) for 14-30 days (mean 19 days) lowered the serum IgG by an average of 22% (p less than 0.005). An even greater reduction in IgG antinuclear antibodies occurred (mean 43%, p less than 0.001) including responses to double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA, and the nucleosides, adenosine, guanosine, cytidine and thymine riboside. In contrast, there was no alteration in serum IgG antibody levels to influenza virus vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine antigens. These results suggest that prednisone has a selective effect on the expression of autoimmunity which may, in part, be responsible for its clinical efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Quantitative determination of anti-dsDNA antibodies and antibody/dsDNA stoichiometries in prepared, soluble complement-fixing antibody/dsDNA immune complexes

We have investigated quantitatively the complement-mediated binding of prepared, soluble 125I-7S IgG antibody/3H-dsDNA immune complexes to human red blood cells (RBCs). We have performed these studies by using a detailed modification of the RBC-CF assay [Pedersen et al., J. Immun. Meth. 38, 269-280 (1980)] which now allows for the simultaneous measurement of both 3H-DNA and 125I-binding to the cells. Our results indicate that, in the case of three SLE patients, their anti-dsDNA antibody titers are sufficiently high that a small fraction of their 125I-7S IgG antibodies (ca 0.1-0.2%) can be identified as specifically anti-dsDNA. We have also used an indirect method (with 125I-labelled rabbit anti-human IgG) for the determination of IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies in complement-fixing antibody/dsDNA immune complexes that bind to RBCs, and the results of these measurements are in reasonable agreement with the direct binding experiments. These studies have also allowed us to estimate the antibody/DNA stoichiometries in complement-fixing immune complexes. The results of these experiments may provide a useful standard for the analysis of monoclonal anti-dsDNA antibodies.

DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes. Antibody protection of a discrete DNA fragment from DNase digestion in vitro

We examined the ability of DNase I to digest DNA that was contained with DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes. IgG isolated from the sera of 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and containing antibodies to DNA was incubated with double-stranded DNA to form immune complexes. Excess DNase was added, and digestion of DNA was monitored by the conversion of DNA to TCA soluble products. IgG from 8 of the 20 SLE patients protected DNA from degradation by DNase in direct proportion to the amount of DNA bound to IgG as measured in the Farr binding assay. Using IgG from these sera, we showed that the DNA protected from degradation remained bound to IgG during digestion and was 35-45 base pairs in size. The size of this fragment is the same as that which has been proposed to be the minimal size necessary for monogamous bivalent binding of IgG to DNA. We therefore compared the ability of F(ab')2 and Fab' to protect DNA from DNase digestion and demonstrated that the bivalent F(ab')2 fragments were protective, but that the univalent Fab' fragments were not. These results suggest that some antibodies to DNA that bind to DNA via monogamous bivalent binding can protect a 35-45-base pair DNA fragment from DNase digestion. The implications of this finding are discussed with regard to the in vivo behavior and potential pathogenicity of small DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes.

Partial purification and characterization of plasma DNA and its relation to disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

This study reports the partial isolation and characterization of plasma DNA by phenol extraction and concentration of the extract. DNA, identified by immunologic and chemical methods, was found in plasma from both normal persons and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in amounts varying from 0.004 to 0.4 micrograms/ml. The DNA was predominantly of low molecular weight, approximating 100 to 200 base pairs. Patients with lupus tended to have higher concentrations of plasma DNA than normal persons, with considerable overlap between the groups. Plasma DNA concentrations correlated inversely with titers of antibody to DNA but not strongly enough for prediction of either variable in individual cases. Many patients had high levels of plasma DNA and its antibody without clinical nephritis. These results indicate the ubiquity of plasma DNA and suggest the necessity of factors other than mere presence of DNA and its antibody for initiation of glomerular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Conjugation of DNA fragments to protein carriers by glutaraldehyde: immunogenicity of oligonucleotide-hemocyanin conjugates

The practical realization of the concept of specific immunotherapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been hampered, thus far, by an inability to link DNA fragments to carrier protein. In this paper, a novel technique is described, in which glutaraldehyde is the linking agent. A 2-stage method was used to link oligonucleotides to a soluble protein carrier, such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or human gamma globulin (HGG), whereas a 1-stage technique was sufficient to link oligonucleotides to sheep red cells. Both the ultraviolet absorbance spectrum and diphenylamine assay demonstrated that oligonucleotides were coupled to soluble protein. The conjugate of oligonucleotide to protein carrier appears to be recognized by anti-DNA antibody since oligonucleotide linked to either KLH or HGG inhibited the binding of anti-DNA antibody in vitro, and oligonucleotide-coupled sheep cells are agglutinating by seropositve sera from lupus patients. In addition, oligonucleotide-KLH raised hemagglutinating antibody to denatured DNA in C57BL/6, DBA/2 or NZB mice, as well as IgG antibody as detected by SPRIA in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. The significance of this new method for the development of an antigen specific therapy of SLE is discussed.

Multiple serologic reactions and their relationship to clinical activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Analysis of the binding of serum from 56 systemic lupus erythematosus patients to native DNA (nDNA), denatured DNA (dDNA), poly I, poly(dT), RNA, and cardiolipin revealed multiple antigen binding in many of the sera. Raised levels of antibodies (IgG and/or IgM) to denatured DNA were found in the highest percentage (68%) of patients. A small subset of patients with multiple raised IgM antibodies, renal disease, and vasculitic skin rash was identified. No correlation between multiple serologic activity and clinical disease was found.

Monoclonal lupus autoantibody secretion by human-human hybridomas. Selection of hybrids by conventional and novel techniques

Autoantibody-secreting hybridomas were produced by somatic cell fusion of B lymphocytes from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus with two different human myeloma lines. Selection of hybrids formed from one of these cell lines was performed by using aminopterine-containing culture medium as this cell line was deficient in hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT). The second myeloma line was not HGPRT-deficient but instead was treated with diethylpyrocarbonate, which assured death of unfused myeloma cells. This novel technique has wide applicability. Hybridomas were found to secrete antibodies to native DNA and to extractable nuclear antigen. The binding specificities of one IgM anti-DNA antibody was characterized and found to be specific for double-stranded DNA and had particular binding affinity for poly(dG) . poly(dC).

Characterization of DNA in polyethylene glycol precipitated immune complexes from sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The nature and the quantity of DNA present in the circulating immune complexes (ICs) from 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was characterized. DNA was extracted from IC enriched material prepared by polyethylene glycol precipitation of serum and the extracted DNA was labelled with 32P-phosphate. The size and the nature of DNA was determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The quantity of DNA in the PEG precipitates from sera of 10 clinically active SLE was found to be significantly higher (mean 159 X 10(4) ct/min, range 49.9-807 X 10(4) ct/min) than 10 normal controls (mean 24.7 X 10(4) ct/min, range 8.7-47.8 X 10(4) ct/min). Four different sizes of DNA fragments were detected: 370-470, 150-240, 30-40 and 20 base pairs (bp). DNA of 30-40 bp and 20 bp were frequently present in both SLE and normals, but the other two large sized DNA fragments were particularly prominent in SLE patients. In the majority of samples, DNA fragments appeared double stranded.

Specificity of anti-DNA antibodies in SLE-I. Definition and gross specificity of antibody populations in human SLE plasma

Populations of anti-DNA antibodies in two SLE plasma were defined based on their patterns of reactivity in inhibition assays with single and double-stranded DNA as well as mono- and oligonucleotides. Two populations of anti-DNA antibodies were seen in both plasma tested. The first population reacted specifically with ssDNA and was inhibited by relatively low concentrations of free nucleotides indicating that it recognized the nucleotide bases in ssDNA. The second population bound both ss and ds calf thymus DNA with apparent equal affinity. The cross-reactive anti-DNA antibodies were inhibited by mononucleotides (at high concentrations) and by single-stranded oligonucleotides (average length tetranucleotides). For one of the plasma tested (PS), pBR322 plasmid DNA (54% G + C) was a significantly more effective inhibitor than calf thymus DNA (39% G + C). These results suggested that nucleotide bases contributed to dsDNA binding by cross-reactive anti-DNA antibodies.

Specificity of anti-nucleoside antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus

The titer of IgG antinucleoside antibodies in the sera of 162 individuals was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The nucleosides used in the assay were adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, and thymine-riboside conjugated to human serum albumin. The specificity of IgG antinucleoside antibodies was indicated by appropriate reduction in antibody binding after solid-phase adsorptions of antibody with specific immobilized nucleoside conjugates. Disease-associated increases in serum IgG antibodies to cytidine and guanosine but not to adenosine or thymine-riboside occurred in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The epitope density of nucleosides in the conjugates and differences in the sensitivity of each nucleoside assay were not responsible for disease-associated IgG antinucleoside antibody responses. These findings support a possible pathogenic role for cytidine and guanosine as antigens or crossreactive antigenic determinants in some patients with SLE.

In vitro nucleoside specific immune response by lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus

The in vitro immune response of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) lymphocytes to nucleosides conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) (A,G,C,T-KLH) was investigated. The nucleosides were chosen not only because they are a part of nucleic acid antigen and involved in autoimmunity, but also because nucleoside covalently bound to either soluble IgG or cells had been shown to induce unresponsiveness in mice. A significant proliferation index was induced in SLE lymphocytes, as compared with normal or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lymphocytes in vitro [in (A,G,C,T)-KLH, 1 microgram/ml; stimulation index = M +/- SE, SLE 2.10 +/- 0.26, RA 1.06 +/- 0.14, normal 1.12 +/- 0.12 P less than 0.05]. Lymphocytes from SLE patients responded specifically to low doses of (A,G,C,T)-KLH and not to the protein carrier KLH alone. A solid-phase radioimmunoassay was developed to detect nucleoside-specific antibody. SLE lymphocytes spontaneously produced high levels of anti-A,G,C,T antibody. This was further increased by antigenic stimulation, but not with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation. In contrast normal lymphocytes failed to produce anti-A,G,C,T antibody either spontaneously or in response to antigen. However, normal lymphocytes produced antibody after stimulation with PWM. More importantly, anti-A,G,C,T antibody production by SLE lymphocytes was suppressed by preincubation with A,G,C,T-IgG (A,G,C,T-HGG). The antigen-specific unresponsiveness caused by A,G,C,T-HGG was demonstrated by the observation that preincubation with A,G,C,T-HGG did not affect the production of anti-dinitrophenyl antibody response. The ability to manipulate the altered response of SLE lymphocytes to nucleic acid antigens may have therapeutic implications in these patients.

Z-DNA-specific antibodies in human systemic lupus erythematosus

Naturally occurring antibodies to left-handed Z-DNA have been shown to be present in the sera of human patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These antibodies are of two types. One type reacts with both denatured DNA and Z-DNA. The other type is specific for Z-DNA and remained in the serum after removal of the cross-reactive antibody by extensive absorption on a denatured DNA affinity column. The antibodies appear to be specific for SLE and do not appear frequently in other rheumatic diseases. The presence of the antibody in SLE is correlated with the clinical manifestations of the disease, in parallel with antibodies to native and denatured DNA.

Influence of pH on the detection of low- and high-avidity anti-dsDNA

In 2 radioimmunoassays in use to detect antibodies to dsDNA, the Farr assay and the PEG assay, we observed inhibitory effects of normal human serum (NHS) on the DNA binding by SLE sera. This was found to be due by the fact that, during incubation at 37 degrees C, CO2, introduced in the incubation mixture by the serum, evaporates from the mixture. This results in increase in pH to values well above pH 8.0, which in turn leads to a decreased DNA binding by antibody. When SLE sera are tested at low dilution, this phenomenon may lead to false negative results. Proper pH control, by the use of buffers with a greater buffering capacity than PBS, completely prevented the observed inhibitory effects. However, under these conditions NHS bound significant amounts of DNA in both assays. The non-specific DNA binding by NHS was found to be heat-stable, but could be eliminated either by aerosil treatment of the sera or by addition of dextran sulphate to the incubation mixture. Lipoproteins and, to a lesser extent, the complement component C1q appear responsible for this non-specific binding. To avoid false negative results with SLE sera as well as non-specific binding by NHS, we propose the use of stronger buffers in combination with added dextran sulphate to the incubation mixture in both the Farr assay and the PEG assay.

Inhibition of adenovirus DNA synthesis in vitro by sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Sera containing antinuclear antibodies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related disorders were tested for their effect on the synthesis of adenovirus (Ad) DNA in an in vitro replication system. After being heated at 60 degrees C for 1 h, some sera from patients with SLE inhibited Ad DNA synthesis by 60 to 100%. Antibodies to double-stranded DNA were present in 15 of the 16 inhibitory sera, and inhibitory activity copurified with anti-double-stranded DNA in the immunoglobulin G fraction. These SLE sera did not inhibit the DNA polymerases alpha, beta, gamma and had no antibody to the 72,000-dalton DNA-binding protein necessary for Ad DNA synthesis. The presence of antibodies to single-stranded DNA and a variety of saline-extractable antigens (Sm, Ha, nRNP, and rRNP) did not correlate with SLE serum inhibitory activity. Methods previously developed for studying the individual steps in Ad DNA replication were used to determine the site of inhibition by the SLE sera that contained antibody to double-stranded DNA. Concentrations of the SLE inhibitor that decreased the elongation of Ad DNA by greater than 85% had no effect on either the initiation of Ad DNA synthesis or the polymerization of the first 26 deoxyribonucleotides.

Specificity in systemic lupus erythematosus of antibodies to double-stranded DNA measured with the polyethylene glycol precipitation assay

Recently, a new radioimmunoassay--the polyethylene glycol (PEG) assay--was introduced to measure antibodies to double-stranded (ds) DNA. In this method, polyethylene glycol precipitation of formed 3H-DNA/antiDNA complexes is used instead of the ammonium sulfate precipitation used in the Farr assay. In contrast to the Farr assay, with which only high-avidity antibodies to dsDNA are detected, the PEG assay also reportedly measures anti-dsDNA of relatively low avidity. We studied whether this gain in antibody measurement results in loss of specificity for systemic lupus erythematosus. When the PEG assay was applied to a selected panel of 440 sera from patients with various well-defined autoimmune diseases and to a group of 197 normal human control sera, matched sex and age to the patients, the method was found to be fairly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus, although the sera from some patients with myasthenia gravis and some with autoimmune liver disease were also found positive. Screening of 352 additional serum specimens, sent to our laboratory for diagnostic reasons, revealed that, with the PEG assay, an extra population of relatively low-avidity antibodies to dsDNA--missed by the Farr assay--was detected. Upon clinical evaluation, we found that the patients in whom such antibodies were detected generally fulfilled a number of the preliminary criteria of the American Rheumatism Association for systemic lupus erythematosus, but that this diagnosis often was not made. We claim that the presence of low-avidity antiDNA characterizes a milder form of the disease in which patients often show only a single clinical feature of the disease. We conclude that results of the PEG assay add valuable diagnostic and clinical information to results obtained by the Farr assay.

Binding specificity of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody

To investigate the interaction of DNA and anti-DNA antibodies in the immune complex disease of systemic lupus erythematosus, the fine specificity of binding of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody was determined. This antibody, termed Cll, was derived from the fusion of spleen cells from an autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mouse with the myeloma cell line M45. In a solid-phase ELISA assay to measure anti-DNA activity, Cll showed preference for single stranded compared to double stranded DNA of animal origin. The Cll antibody also bound some deoxyribohomopolymers as well as ribohomopolymers, but failed to bind synthetic DNA duplexes. Defined size oligonucleotides with a size range of 2-(12-18) failed to inhibit the binding of Cll to single stranded DNA. This pattern of binding is consistent with the recognition of a unique structural determinant that can be represented by a variety of nucleic acids. The absence of antigenic activity among the oligonucleotides suggests that an extended polynucleotide structure is required for antibody binding, possibly because of a bivalent or 'monogamous' mode of interaction. The binding properties of Cll further suggest that its ability to participate in immune complex formation may be limited by the nature of the available DNA antigen.

Clearance of circulating DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes in mice

DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes, produced from single-stranded DNA and IgG from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus were cleared from the circulation of normal mice extremely rapidly, at a rate similar to the clearance of DNA alone. The initial clearance of these complexes was more rapid than the clearance of aggregated IgG, a surrogate immune complex containing a comparable number of IgG molecules, suggesting that the antigen (DNA) in the complexes significantly altered the clearance kinetics of the complexes. Analysis of the late clearance component of these complexes showed that anti-DNA is released back into the circulation after initial removal, and is then cleared at a rate similar to monomeric IgG. Whether this anti-DNA represents free antibody, or antibody bound to small nuclease digested DNA fragments, awaits further study.

Antibodies specific for left-handed Z-DNA

We prepared a brominated poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) which forms a stable Z-DNA helix under physiological salt conditions. Rabbits and mice were immunized with brominated and unbrominated poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) complexed with methylated bovine serum albumin. Antibodies specific for Z-DNA were produced. These antibodies were found not only in the sera of animals immunized with the low-salt stabilized Z-DNA [Br-poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC)] but also in sera from animals immunized with the unbrominated B-DNA form of the polymer. From this it is inferred that the unbrominated poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) was partially converted to Z-DNA by its combination with the basic protein methylated bovine serum albumin. In addition to specific anti-Z-DNA antibody populations, two other interesting types of antibody populations were found. One of these reacted with both the Z and B forms of poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC). This antibody may be converting the polymer from the B-DNA to the Z-DNA form. The other type of antibody was specific for a B form of poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) and did not react at all with the Z form. The antibodies raised to Z-DNA were shown to be highly specific for Z-DNA and did not react with B-DNA, RNA, DNA.RNA hybrids, or a number of other polynucleotides. This specificity for Z-DNA will make possible their use as reagents for determining the presence of Z-DNA in biological systems. Sera of autoimmune lupus mice were also shown to have a considerable amount of naturally occurring anti-Z-DNA antibody activity.

Comparative studies on antibodies to poly(ADP-ribose) in rabbits and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Immunochemical studies were made on the antibodies induced in rabbits against poly(ADP-ribose) and naturally-occurring antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Antibodies against poly(ADP-ribose) could also be induced in rabbits by oligo(ADP-ribose) associated with rat liver histones and by a complex of poly(ADP-ribose) with methylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA). The two types of antibody were inhibited to the same extent by poly(ADP-ribose). However, the antibody induced by oligo(ADP-ribose) associated with histones was inhibited by oligo(ADP-ribose) with an average chain length if 4 ADP-ribosyl units and by phosphoribosyl adenosine monophosphate (PR-AMP) but not by mono ADP-ribose, whereas that induced by poly(ADP-ribose) was practically not inhibited by these related compounds even in excess amounts. The sera of ten cases of systemic lupus erythematosus showing high antibody activity against poly(ADP-ribose) were also examined immunochemically. It was found that the antibodies of three patients showed a similar inhibitory pattern to that of antibody induced in rabbits by oligo(ADP-ribose) associated with histones, those of three patients showed a similar pattern to that of antibody produced in rabbits by poly(ADP-ribose), and the remainder did not show either pattern. These findings suggest that oligo(ADP-ribose) associated with histones may serve as antigen to elicit naturally-occuring antibodies to poly(ADP-ribose) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies to native DNA

A simple and highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for the measurement of anti-native DNA (anti-nDNA) antibodies in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A solid-phase support for the assay was provided by coating wells of polystyrene microtiter plates with native salmon sperm DNA at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml. For standard determinations, test sera at a dilution of 1 : 100 were incubated in the DNA-coated wells which were then assayed for bound immunoglobulin using an alkaline phosphatase conjugated rabbit anti-human IgG reagent. The colorimetric yield at 400 nm was used as a measure of the content of anti-nDNA antibodies. Proof that the bound antibodies detected in this assay were directed toward native DNA was derived primarily from observations that: (1) purified native DNA blocked the binding of antibody from SLE sera; and (2) there was a correlation between determinations by the ELISA assay and a filter binding assay specific for anti-nDNA antibodies. Assay of serial samples from the same patient showed a close correlation between determinations by the ELISA and filter binding assays, suggesting the utility of the ELISA method as part of the evaluation of disease activity over time. The advantages of the ELISA methodology-sensitivity, convenience, speed, independence of radioactivity, and quantitative determination of antibody as opposed to protein-should make this assay a useful tool in clinical and experimental studies on SLE as well as the routine assay of anti-nDNA antibodies.

Secondary structure in denatured DNA is responsible for its reaction with antinative DNA antibodies of systemic lupus erythematosus sera

Experiments were designed to determine the basis for the strong competitive reaction of denatured DNA with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) antinative DNA antibodies. Secondary structure in denatured DNA was reflected in hyperchromicity upon heating and in multiphase kinetics of its digestion by S1 nuclease. Partial digestion by S1 nuclease completely eliminated the ability of denatured DNA to react with antidenatured DNA antibodies, but not its ability to react with SLE sera. S1 nuclease-resistant cores were isolated from extensively digested denatured DNA. These cores had secondary structure, including some stable fold-back helical regions. The cores, from 20 to several hundred base pairs in size, competed with native DNA for binding by SLE sera. Other experiments measured reactions of denatured DNA under conditions that affected its secondary structure content. Its competitive activity decreased as temperature was increased from 0 degrees to 37 degrees C, whereas the activity of native DNA was not altered in this temperature range. With DNA pieces of 90-110 base pairs, native fragments were much more effective than the denatured fragments, in which stable helical structure is less likely to occur than in high molecular weight denatured DNA. Competitive assays with mononucleotides, oligonucleotides, homopolymers, and RNA-DNA hybrids also indicated that two strands of polydeoxyribonucleotide were required for optimal reactions with these SLE serum antibodies. The antibodies can measure stable helical regions in denatured DNA; they may also stabilize short helical regions that occur in an equilibrium of conformational forms.