Anti-dsDNA antibodies are highly specific for which disease?

• A. Rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Sjogren syndrome
• C. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• D. Multiple sclerosis

Answer: (C)

Anti-dsDNA antibodies are tightly linked to systemic lupus erythematosus. The immune system in SLE often targets native DNA, producing antibodies against double-stranded DNA, a pattern that is highly characteristic and relatively uncommon in other autoimmune diseases. Their presence strongly supports the diagnosis of SLE and often correlates with disease activity, especially lupus nephritis. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is driven more by anti-CCP and RF, Sjögren syndrome by anti-SSA/SSB, and multiple sclerosis by CNS-directed processes rather than anti-dsDNA. So anti-dsDNA antibodies most specifically point to systemic lupus erythematosus.