Naturally occurring SLE anti-DNA antibodies recognize unique conformation on DNA-lysine photoadduct

Native calf thymus DNA has been covalently modified with lysine under UV-A light. Human autoantibodies on purification through affinity column of native DNA linked to polylysyl-Sepharose 4B showed almost equal recognition of DNA and photoadduct. The recognition of DNA-lysine photoadduct by the affinity-purified autoantibodies might be helpful in understanding their origin in SLE vis-à-vis the role of positively charged amino acids in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.