Anti-dsDNA antibodies: bridging the gap between Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus

This article investigates the role of anti-dsDNA antibodies in the diagnosis and clinical management of autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Anti-dsDNA antibodies, traditionally considered a key diagnostic and prognostic marker for SLE, may also be found in patients with pSS, complicating the distinction between the two diseases. This review highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by the possible presence of anti-dsDNA inpSS and suggests the need for a more nuanced approach to the interpretation of serological makers. It reviews the sensitivity and specificity of various autoantibodies, including anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB, and discusses their limitations in accurately distinguishing between SLE and pSS. Furthermore, the article addresses the variability in diagnostic assays for anti-dsDNA, stressing the importance of considering clinical evaluations and additional biomarkers alongside serological tests. The findings advocate for a more individualized diagnostic approach to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment strategies. Future research should aim to refine diagnostic criteria to account for these complexities and improve diagnostic accuracy in autoimmune diseases.