Patients with the autoimmune rheumatic disease systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE or ‘lupus’) develop a wide variety of clinical and serological manifestations
including the presence of antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which are
often diagnostic and potentially pathogenic. In this review, we have examined
the links between the structure and function of anti-dsDNA antibodies, emphasising
their clinical associations. We have also reviewed studies involving animal
models, the analysis of human antibody sequences and studies of, and using,
computer modelling and crystal structure.
