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B cells in the immune system undergo DNA rearrangements, a process known as V(D)J recombination, which generates a highly diverse repertoire of antibody-encoding genes. This study reveals that specific changes in DNA folding architecture play a critical role in regulating this process, acting as a checkpoint that helps prevent the production of autoreactive antibodies — antibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues. These structural genomic changes appear to serve as a safeguard mechanism, ensuring immune tolerance while still allowing sufficient antibody diversity.
Why it matters
Understanding how DNA folding controls autoreactive antibody production could open new avenues for treating autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, where self-directed antibodies cause significant tissue damage.
Nature, Published online: 19 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01329-7
DNA rearrangements in immune-system B cells generate diverse antibody-encoding genes and help to avoid producing antibodies that target the body’s own tissues.
Source: DNA-folding changes block production of self-directed antibodies