Abstract

Background: The family of lectins known as galectins (galectins 1-14) are involved in the regulation of the immune system and in oncogenesis. During a search for antigens recognized by antibodies produced by a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) we found reactivity against galectin-8, for which autoantibodies have not been previously described. Aim: To determine the frequency of autoantibodies against galectin-8 in lupus patients compared with healthy controls. Patients and Methods: Galectin-8 was purified from a bacterial expression system and used in immunoblot assays as antigen to screen the sera of 55 SLE patients and matched controls. Disease activity was evaluated using the Mexican Modification of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (MEX-SLEDAI). Results: Reactivity against galectin-8 was detected in 30% of SLE patients, compared to 7% of controls (p=0.003). We could not detect any particular SLE manifestation associated to the presence of these autoantibodies. Conclusions: This is the first description of autoantibodies against galectin-8. Its higher frequency in patients with SLE suggests a pathogenic role. Further studies are needed to determine their clinical relevance