Significance of autoantibodies in neonatal lupus erythematosus

Autoantibodies produced by the mother and transported into the fetal circulation are of significant importance in the diagnosis of neonatal lupus syndromes. These humoral autoimmune findings provide an unique opportunity to assess the pathogenic role of autoantibodies against the Ro(SS-A)/La(SS-B) complex, most notably for congenital heart block. Current knowledge about the involved autoantibody-autoantigen systems, including recent therapeutic concepts of these autoimmune syndromes, is summarized.