New Insights into the Biology and Pathobiology of Beta2-Glycoprotein I

beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI) is the major autoantigen in the antiphospholipid syndrome. The central importance of understanding beta 2GPI physiology from the perspective of the rheumatologist is that it forms the foundation for understanding the pathophysiology underlying autoantibody generation, and the diverse mechanisms by which anti-beta 2GPI antibodies in complex with beta 2GPI may predispose an individual to the antiphospholipid syndrome clinical phenotype. This review examines some of the latest novel findings in this area.