Autoantibodies to chromosomal domains in rheumatic diseases

Autoantibodies to chromosomal proteins are frequently found in the sera of certain patients with rheumatic diseases. In patients with scleroderma, especially in those with the CREST syndrome, autoantibodies to a specific chromosomal domain (centromere) have been found as a common feature. In this report we describe the results of a study that utilized chromosomes prepared from fibroblasts of an Asiatic deer, the Indian Muntjac (IM). This substrate is sensitive and allows a more precise localization of chromosomal antigens. Using IM chromosomes we provide evidence that antibodies directed against chromosomal components are present in patients with rheumatic diseases and in some normal controls. The titre of these antibodies is high in scleroderma patients and low in the normal controls. In a group of ankylosing spondylitis patients there is a greater frequency of moderately elevated tires of antibodies to the kinetochore domain than in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.