[The Ro/SS-A antigen-antibody system]

First described in 1969 by Clark et al., the Ro/SS-A antibody system has proved most important in the evaluation of lupus patients possessing prominent photosensitive cutaneous lesions. Ro antibodies are also seen in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, neonatal lupus erythematosus, congenital heart block and ANA-negative LE. The most recent data of biochemical characterization have led to the supposition that these antibodies may exert a direct pathogenic effect. In this review the current knowledge concerning the Ro-antigen-antibody system is summarized.