Autoantibody profile in cutaneous lupus erythematosus subsets: correlations between various autoantibodies of the same isotype

The objective of the present study was an extensive analysis of the autoantibody profile in the most common subsets of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE), acute and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE, SCLE) as well as discoid lupus, localized or disseminatus (DLE loc, DLE dis). Antibodies (Abs) against glomerular extracts, actin. myosin and cardiolipin were examined in the various cutaneous lupus subgroups, in addition to ANA and Abs against DNA, ENA and IgG (rheumatoid factor). Abs against glomerular extracts were detected mainly in ACLE and SCLE, whereas Abs against actin, myosin and cardiolipin were found in all cutaneous lupus subsets. The detailed record of the autoantibody profile helped in the serological differential diagnosis of the various cutaneous lupus subsets, suggesting also that SCLE and DLE dis are distinct subsets in the spectrum of cutaneous LE. Finally, correlations between autoantibodies of the same isotype were carried out, providing implications for regulation of autoantibody production.