| Description: |
Most autoimmune antiphospholipid antibodies require protein cofactors for optimal binding. Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 (B2GP1) is a protein cofactor with natural anticoagulant properties and has affinity for negatively charged phospholipids. A large proportion of anti-phospholipid antibodies are actually directed against complexes of phospholipid with protein, most notably against B2GP1. High levels of these antibodies are frequently detected in patients with auto-immune diseases (e.g., SLE) but may also be found in non-autoimmune diseases, as well as in apparently healthy individuals. |
