摘要 |
Methods and compositions for treating, detecting, diagnosing or assisting in the diagnosis of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are provided. The authors have made the novel discovery that anti-dsDNA antibodies are reactive to cell surface annexin II and through this interaction, anti-dsDNA antibodies are bound and then internalized and translocated into the cytoplasm and/or nucleus where they mediate altered cellular functions. Compositions that inhibit or interfere with the interaction of annexin II with anti-dsDNA antibodies can be used to treat one or more symptoms or pathological processes of an inflammatory or immunological disorder, preferably an auto-immune disorder. Methods for monitoring the progression or severity of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are also provided. In certain embodiments, levels of annexin II and/or anti-dsDNA antibodies, including anti-dsDNA antibodies that can bind to annexin II, are assessed and compared to a reference level of annexin II and/or anti-dsDNA antibodies that corresponds to a specific stage or severity of the disorder.
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