Pathogenic IgG autoantibodies have established roles in diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Less familiar are the influences of naturally arising IgM autoantibodies, which enhance phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells and have the capacity to block inflammatory responses induced by Toll-like receptor ligands and autoantibody-containing immune complexes. Intriguing data from animal models and clinical studies, suggesting that it might become possible to exploit these protective effects in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic disease, are reviewed in this manuscript.
- Gregg J. Silverman
- Jaya Vas
- Caroline Grönwall
