The detection of autoantibodies to ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

► We examined the presence of autoantibodies against ABCA1 in SLE patients. ► We investigated the role of this transporter in AS pathogenesis. ► The prevalence of anti-ABCA1 antibodies in SLE patients was higher than the controls. ► The prevalence in the SLE-plaque group was higher than that in the SLE-non-plaque group. ► Purified anti-ABCA1 IgG from positive sera inhibited the cellular cholesterol efflux in vitro.