Clinical Significance of Native DNA Antibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other Connective Tissue Diseases

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Abstract
The native DNA binding assay has been employed to study antibodies to native DNA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases. DNA binding values exceeding 30 per cent almost invariably confirm the diagnosis of active systemic lupus erythematosus. The DNA-antigen binding capacity of lupus sera appear to provide more information than the DNA binding assay alone, in assessing response to therapy and prognosis in this disease. The standard immunofluorescence antinuclear factor test should be used as a screening procedure where possible, and the DNA binding assay done on sera that are positive in titres of 1 in 256 or greater.