New evidence has emerged that DNA can bind to cell surface HLA class II molecules. If true, this surprising interaction could lead to T cell and B cell activation by DNA, and surface DNA could also provide a target for cell killing by anti-DNA antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Pisetsky, D.S. Are DNA–HLA class II interactions the missing link in SLE?. Nat Rev Rheumatol 17, 647–648 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-021-00684-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-021-00684-1