Anti–Double‐Stranded DNA Antibodies Recognize DNA Presented on HLA Class II Molecules of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Risk Alleles

Specific HLA class II alleles are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The role of HLA class II molecules in SLE pathogenesis remains unclear, although anti-DNA antibodies are specific to SLE and correlate with disease activity. We previously demonstrated that misfolded proteins bound to HLA class II molecules are specific targets for the autoantibodies produced in autoimmune diseases. This study was undertaken...