Nucleosomal autoantibodies

General Information

A nucleosome is a section of DNA that is wrapped around 8 histone proteins. This structure of DNA ensures its compaction (tight packing) - each nucleosome, which is less than the diameter of a human hair, contains more than 2 meters of DNA. Nucleosomes play an important role in gene expression.

Anti-nucleosome autoantibodies are produced in autoimmune diseases, when the immune system mistakenly attacks the structures of the nucleus of its own cells. Anti-nucleosome antibodies are produced in autoimmune diseases such as:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum diseases
• Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
• აუტოიმუნური ჰეპატიტი
• Graves' disease and others

In some autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus), antinucleosomal antibodies are of great importance for differential diagnostics.

Nucleosomal autoantibodies are closely associated with cellular apoptosis – programmed cell death. During apoptosis, nucleosomes in the nuclear DNA are exposed to the cell surface, which sometimes leads to immune reactions and the formation of autoantibodies.

When is the survey conducted?

Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases

Study material: Venous blood

Patient preparation: not required