Nephrol Dial Transplant (2004) 19: 282-285
© ERA–EDTA 2004; all rights reserved
Editorial Comments
Deranged removal of apoptotic cells: its role in the genesis of lupus
Nephrology Research Laboratory, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences and Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Correspondence and offprint requests to: Jo H. M. Berden, Division of Nephrology (545), University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Email: J.Berden@nier.umcn.nl
Keywords: apoptosis; autoantibodies; phagocytosis; systemic lupus erythematosus
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Introduction
The formation of anti-nuclear autoantibodies is the main feature of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We do not know why these nuclear components become autoantigens in the disease. Recently, evidence has emerged which points to an important connection with apoptosis and the removal of apoptotic cells. The process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, contains a series of pathways leading to the regulated removal of unwanted cells, including the induction of tolerance for autoantigens. This process is strictly regulated. In particular, the adequate removal of early apoptotic cells is of great importance. Since nuclear autoantigens become clustered in apoptotic blebs [1], an impaired removal could lead to the release of nuclear structures, possibly also modified during apoptosis (Figure 1). The release of (modified) nuclear structures could then induce an immune response to these autoantigens leading to the production of autoantibodies. Chromatin, a complex of
Apoptosis and SLE
Removal of apoptotic cells
Conclusion
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Connotea 
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