HMGB1 containing nucleosomes from apoptotic cells induce inflammation and immune activation via TLR2 – implications for the etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Nucleosomes (NCs) are the major primary autoantigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoantibodies against dsDNA and NCs are a serological hallmark of SLE. However, it is still unknown why NCs, which are ubiquitous and abundant self-components, become immunogenic in SLE. Impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic cells with consecutive release of modified nuclear antigens may crucially contribute to the immunopathogenesis. High Mobility Group Box protein 1 (HMGB1), a nuclear DNA-binding protein and an extracellular pro-inflammatory …