Figure 1.

A model to indicate how affinity maturation may affect the diagnostic and pathogenic impact of induced anti-dsDNA antibodies. Although short-lived stimuli result in antibodies that should be regarded as transient epiphenomenons, antibodies resulting from recurrent or sustained stimulation by immunogenic DNA (nucleosomes) may have strong clinical impact. (Modified from Moens U, Rekvig OP: Molecular biology of BK virus and clinical and basic aspects of BK virus renal infection. Human Polyomaviruses—Molecular and Clinical Perspectives. Edited by Khalili K, Stoner GL. New York, Wiley-Liss, 2001, pp 359–408).