Synonym(s)
Lupus band; Lupus band test
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Deposition of IgG, IgM, IgA,C1 andC3 detectable by direct immunofluorescence in the dermoepidermal basement membrane zone. In lupus erythematosus chronicus discoides the lupus band test is only positive in the foci, in systemic lupus erythematosus, however, also in unaffected skin. The value of the lupus band test in systemic lupus erythematosus has been increasingly questioned in the past. In larger studies, however, it could be shown that the disease activity (DNA-AK titer and kidney involvement higher than in the control group) was higher in positive lupus band tests than in negative ones.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Even decades after the initial description, the question of the origin of the deposited immunoglobulins in the lupus band has still not been answered.
In systemic lupus erythematosus, the cause is discussed on the one hand as polyclonal B-cell activation, but on the other hand as autoantibody formation induced by autoantigens. Studies show that in > 90% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus either IgG1 or IgG3 were expressedin the lupus band. This argues against polyclonal B cell activation as the sole cause of immunoglobulin deposition in the lupus band.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Alahlafi AM et al (2004) The distribution of IgG subclasses in the lupus band suggests disease-specific alteration in subclass switching rather than polyclonal B-cell activation. Clin Exp Dermatol 29: 288-292
- Zecevic RD et al (2006) Lupus band test and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: does it still matter? Clin Exper Dermatol 31: 358-360
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer