[Biopathology of disseminated lupus erythematosus]

Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with a plethora of immunological abnormalities. First, there are antinuclear autoantibodies directed towards insoluble (mainly desoxyribonucleic acid, histones and nucleosomes) or soluble nuclear components (mainly Sm, RNP and Ro/SSA particles). There are then autoantibodies other than antinuclear, recognizing cells (erythrocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, endothelial cells), organelles (Golgi apparatus, ribosomes) or molecules (cardiolipids, C1q, stress proteins). Finally, there are immunological abnormalities other than autoantibodies, such as immune complexes, monoclonal immunoglobulins or complement variations. In fact the pathogenetic role of these perturbations remains a matter for speculation.