Cell Death and Anti-DNA Antibodies

Autoantibodies are characteristic features of autoimmune diseases (Table 1). In organ or tissue-specific autoimmune diseases, autoantibodies against cell-surface molecules are usually observed. These antibodies (Abs) stimulate or damage the target cells and cause organor tissue-specific diseases. In systemic autoimmune diseases, in addition to anti-cellsurface molecule Abs, Abs against intracellular molecules are frequently observed although B cell tolerance to intracellular molecules is strictly enforced in normal subjects. Some indicate high disease specificity with a high incidence rate. Therefore, such Abs may be closely associated with development of the disease as well as with disease activity. However, it is not known how or why Abs against intracellular molecules are generated.