Salmonella infection and biofilms drive anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies in systemic autoimmunity.

Salmonella infection and biofilms induce anti-C1q autoantibodies, exacerbating renal damage in lupus-prone mice, revealing a new autoimmune mechanism.

• Why it matters: Autoantibodies like anti-C1q are linked to lupus severity, but how infections and microbiota influence their production remains unclear, hindering targeted therapies.
• What they did: The study used biofilm components and Salmonella infection in wild-type and lupus-prone mice, measuring autoantibody levels via multiplex assays and ELISA, focusing on anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA responses.
• The result: Curli exposure increased anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies and C1q deposition in kidneys, suggesting infections and dysbiosis can worsen lupus nephritis by promoting pathogenic autoantibodies.