Analysis of somatic mutations revealed that induction of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies from SLE patients are antigen driven and thus T cell dependent. Since DNA per se has repeatedly been shown not to be immunogenic, various mechanisms leading to the production of anti-dsDNA-antibodies have been discussed including the role of oligonucleosomes. In the present study we demonstrate that the percentage of macrophage engulfing apoptotic cell material was significantly reduced in SLE as compared to control patients. These data suggest that, in contrast to a non-inflammatory clearance of apoptotic cell, phagocytosis of apoptotic cell material may be decreased in SLE patients, possibly leading to a presentation of autoantigens and thus possibly triggering an autoantibody response to nucleoproteins.