Detection of low avidity anti-DNA antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus

The binding of sonicated, radiolabeled DNA by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera was measured by a high sensitivity polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation assay. This method is considerably more sensitive than currently used techniques. The results suggest that a significant concentration of low avidity antibodies is present in SLE sera; however, these antibodies are not detected by conventional techniques.