Autoantibodies to Endothelial Cells

Monoclonal anti-endothelial cell antibodies from a patient with Takayasu arteritis activate endothelial cells from large vessels

“…The major problem in understanding the mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effect of AECA on endothelium is the lack of definition of their target antigens. Several studies in the 1980s attempted to detect the direct effect of AECA on EC functions, including release of vasoactive mediators such as prostacyclin and vWF (40). Tannenbaum et al (41) and Hasselaar et al (42) reported that sera containing EC-binding antibodies could induce, or synergize with cytokines to induce, the production of procoagulant tissue factor by EC in vitro.…”

Anti-heparin antibodies: part of the repertoire of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA)

“…With the exception of those found in Kawasaki disease and haemolytic uraemic syndrome, where AECA are cytotoxic to cytokine activated endothelium, 11,17 the majority of studies suggest that AECA do not generally display cytotoxicity. 19,20 Antibodies binding to endothelium have been shown to enhance endothelial cell pro-coagulant activity. Anti-phospholipid antibodies in SLE, synergistically with low doses of TNF, induce tissue factor expression with the formation of large thrombi.…”