Natural IgM binding of apoptosis-associated epitopes and Ro60 is common in neonates.
Binding of cord IgM to apoptotic cells correlates with reactivity with malondialdehyde and is inhibitable by malondialdehyde-BSA.
Newborns from IgG anti-Ro/La(+) mothers have higher IgM anti-Ro60 than other neonates.
Newborns from IgG anti-Ro/La(+) mothers have lower IgM anti-MDA than other neonates.
Maternal autoimmunity may influence the congenital IgM-repertoire of the newborn.