Anti-C1q in systemic lupus erythematosus. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stojan, G; Petri, M
• Is Part Of: Lupus. Volume 25:Number 8(2016)
• Page Start: 873
• Page End: 877
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Systemic lupus erythematosus -- SLE -- lupus nephritis -- C1q -- anti-C1q; Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Periodicals; 616.772005
• DOI: 10.1177/0961203316645205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-2033

Abstract

C1q is the first component of the classical complement pathway. Both clinically validated in-house ELISA assays as well as commercial ELISA kits are used for detection of anti-C1q antibodies. Anti-C1q autoantibodies can be detected in a wide range of autoimmune diseases and are highly sensitive for hypocomplementemic uticarial vasculitis. In SLE, anti-C1q are strongly associated with proliferative lupus nephritis, and their absence carries a negative predictive value for development of lupus nephritis of close to 100%. Anti-C1q in combination with anti-dsDNA and low complement has the strongest serological association with renal involvement. The anti-C1q titers correlate with global disease activity scores in patients with renal involvement, and higher titers seem to precede renal flares. After the successful treatment of a renal flare, anti-C1q has the tendency to decrease or even become undetectable. The main obstacle to the inclusion of anti-C1q in the classification criteria and clinical management of SLE is the lack of standardized laboratory assays.