Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating, detecting, diagnosing or assisting in the diagnosis of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are provided. The authors have made the novel discovery that anti-dsDNA antibodies are reactive to cell surface annexin II and through this interaction, anti-dsDNA antibodies are bound and then internalized and translocated into the cytoplasm and/or nucleus where they mediate altered cellular functions. Compositions that inhibit or interfere with the interaction of annexin II with anti-dsDNA antibodies can be used to treat one or more symptoms or pathological processes of an inflammatory or immunological disorder, preferably an auto-immune disorder. Methods for monitoring the progression or severity of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating, detecting, diagnosing or assisting in the diagnosis of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are provided. The authors have made the novel discovery that anti-dsDNA antibodies are reactive to cell surface annexin II and through this interaction, anti-dsDNA antibodies are bound and then internalized and translocated into the cytoplasm and/or nucleus where they mediate altered cellular functions. Compositions that inhibit or interfere with the interaction of annexin II with anti-dsDNA antibodies can be used to treat one or more symptoms or pathological processes of an inflammatory or immunological disorder, preferably an auto-immune disorder. Methods for monitoring the progression or severity of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are also provided.