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Robinson WH, Younis S, Love ZZ, Steinman L, Lanz TV. Epstein-Barr virus as a potentiator of autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024:10.1038/s41584-024-01167-9. [PMID: 39390260 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is epidemiologically associated with development of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Although there is well-established evidence for this association, the underlying mechanistic basis remains incompletely defined. In this Review, we discuss the role of EBV infection as a potentiator of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We review the EBV life cycle, viral transcription programmes, serological profiles and lytic reactivation. We discuss the epidemiological and mechanistic associations of EBV with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. We describe the potential mechanisms by which EBV might promote autoimmunity, including EBV nuclear antigen 1-mediated molecular mimicry of human autoantigens; EBV-mediated B cell reprogramming, including EBV nuclear antigen 2-mediated dysregulation of autoimmune susceptibility genes; EBV and host genetic factors, including the potential for autoimmunity-promoting strains of EBV; EBV immune evasion and insufficient host responses to control infection; lytic reactivation; and other mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic implications and potential therapeutic approaches to targeting EBV for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Robinson
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Shady Younis
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Zelda Z Love
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and Paediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tobias V Lanz
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Immunity Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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2
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Zhao Y, Zhang Q, Zhang B, Dai Y, Gao Y, Li C, Yu Y, Li C. Epstein-Barr Viruses: Their Immune Evasion Strategies and Implications for Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8160. [PMID: 39125729 PMCID: PMC11311853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the γ-herpesvirus family, is one of the most prevalent and persistent human viruses, infecting up to 90% of the adult population globally. EBV's life cycle includes primary infection, latency, and lytic reactivation, with the virus primarily infecting B cells and epithelial cells. This virus has evolved sophisticated strategies to evade both innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby maintaining a lifelong presence within the host. This persistence is facilitated by the expression of latent genes such as EBV nuclear antigens (EBNAs) and latent membrane proteins (LMPs), which play crucial roles in viral latency and oncogenesis. In addition to their well-known roles in several types of cancer, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma and B-cell lymphomas, recent studies have identified the pathogenic roles of EBV in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review highlights the intricate interactions between EBV and the host immune system, underscoring the need for further research to develop effective therapeutic and preventive strategies against EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Zhao
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Botian Zhang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Yihao Dai
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Yifei Gao
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Chenzhong Li
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Yijing Yu
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Conglei Li
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Z.); (B.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.G.); (C.L.)
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
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Maguire C, Wang C, Ramasamy A, Fonken C, Morse B, Lopez N, Wylie D, Melamed E. Molecular Mimicry as a Mechanism of Viral Immune Evasion and Autoimmunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.583134. [PMID: 38496443 PMCID: PMC10942439 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.583134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Mimicry of host protein structures ("molecular mimicry") is a common mechanism employed by viruses to evade the host's immune system. To date, studies have primarily evaluated molecular mimicry in the context of full protein structural mimics. However, recent work has demonstrated that short linear amino acid (AA) molecular mimics can elicit cross-reactive antibodies and T-cells from the host, which may contribute to development and progression of autoimmunity. Despite this, the prevalence of molecular mimics throughout the human virome has not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluate 134 human infecting viruses and find significant usage of linear mimicry across the virome, particularly those in the herpesviridae and poxviridae families. Furthermore, we identify that proteins involved in cellular replication and inflammation, those expressed from autosomes, the X chromosome, and in thymic cells are over-enriched in viral mimicry. Finally, we demonstrate that short linear mimicry from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is significantly higher in auto-antibodies found in multiple sclerosis patients to a greater degree than previously appreciated. Our results demonstrate that human-infecting viruses frequently leverage mimicry in the course of their infection, point to substantial evolutionary pressure for mimicry, and highlight mimicry's important role in human autoimmunity. Clinically, our findings could translate to development of novel therapeutic strategies that target viral infections linked to autoimmunity, with the goal of eliminating disease-associated latent viruses and preventing their reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole Maguire
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Neurology
| | - Chumeng Wang
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Neurology
| | | | - Cara Fonken
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Neurology
| | - Brinkley Morse
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Neurology
| | - Nathan Lopez
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Neurology
| | - Dennis Wylie
- The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Biomedical Research Support
| | - Esther Melamed
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Neurology
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4
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Punnanitinont A, Kasperek EM, Zhu C, Yu G, Miecznikowski JC, Kramer JM. TLR7 activation of age-associated B cells mediates disease in a mouse model of primary Sjögren's disease. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:497-510. [PMID: 37930711 PMCID: PMC10990110 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's disease (pSD) (also referred to as Sjögren's syndrome) is an autoimmune disease that primarily occurs in women. In addition to exocrine gland dysfunction, pSD patients exhibit B cell hyperactivity. B cell-intrinsic TLR7 activation is integral to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease that shares similarities with pSD. The role of TLR7-mediated B cell activation in pSD, however, remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that age-associated B cells (ABCs) were expanded in pSD and that TLR7-stimulated ABCs exhibited pathogenic features characteristic of disease. Our data revealed that ABC expansion and TLR7 expression were enhanced in a pSD mouse model in a Myd88-dependent manner. Splenocytes from pSD mice showed enhanced sensitivity to TLR7 agonism as compared with those derived from control animals. Sort-purified marginal zone B cells and ABCs from pSD mice showed enhanced inflammatory cytokine secretion and were enriched for antinuclear autoantibodies following TLR7 agonism. Finally, IgG from pSD patient sera showed elevated antinuclear autoantibodies, many of which were secreted preferentially by TLR7-stimulated murine marginal zone B cells and ABCs. These data indicate that pSD B cells are hyperresponsive to TLR7 agonism and that TLR7-activated B cells contribute to pSD through cytokine and autoantibody production. Thus, therapeutics that target TLR7 signaling cascades in B cells may have utility in pSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achamaporn Punnanitinont
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Eileen M. Kasperek
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Microarray & Immune Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Guan Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Miecznikowski
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jill M. Kramer
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, The University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
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5
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Sun L, Wang N, Feng Y, Huo X, Feng Q, Zhao X, Li Y, Yan L, Xie X, Hu J. The distribution of heterophilic antigens and their relationship with autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275658. [PMID: 38022676 PMCID: PMC10667719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microbial infections are associated with the occurrence of autoimmune diseases, but the mechanisms of microbial infection inducing autoimmune diseases are not fully understood. The existence of heterophilic antigens between microorganisms and human tissues may explain part of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigate the distribution of heterophilic antigens and its relationship with autoimmune diseases. Methods Monoclonal antibodies against a variety of microorganisms were prepared. The titer, subclass and reactivity of antibodies with microorganisms were identified, and heterophilic antibodies that cross-reacted with human tissues were screened by human tissue microarray. The reactivity of these heterophilic antibodies with different individuals and different species was further examined by immunohistochemistry. Results In this study, 21 strains of heterophilic antibodies were screened. The results showed that these heterophilic antibodies were produced due to the existence of heterophilic antigens between microorganism and human body and the distribution of heterophilic antigens had individual, tissue and species differences. Conclusion Our study showed that heterophilic antigens exist widely between microorganisms and human body, and the heterophilic antigens carried by microorganisms may break the immune tolerance of the body through carrier effect and initiate immune response, which may be one of the important mechanisms of infection inducing autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Sun
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangmeng Feng
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueping Huo
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qing Feng
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhao
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liting Yan
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Province Research Center of Cell Immunological Engineering and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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6
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Trier NH, Houen G. Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Auto-Immune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13609. [PMID: 37686415 PMCID: PMC10487534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmunity is defined by the presence of antibodies and/or T cells directed against self-components. Although of unknown etiology, autoimmunity commonly is associated with environmental factors such as infections, which have been reported to increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Occasionally, similarities between infectious non-self and self-tissue antigens may contribute to immunological cross-reactivity in autoimmune diseases. These reactions may be interpreted as molecular mimicry, which describes cross-reactivity between foreign pathogens and self-antigens that have been reported to cause tissue damage and to contribute to the development of autoimmunity. By focusing on the nature of antibodies, cross-reactivity in general, and antibody-antigen interactions, this review aims to characterize the nature of potential cross-reactive immune reactions between infectious non-self and self-tissue antigens which may be associated with autoimmunity but may not actually be the cause of disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hartwig Trier
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens Vej 1-23, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens Vej 1-23, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
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7
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Adiguzel Y, Mahroum N, Muller S, Blank M, Halpert G, Shoenfeld Y. Shared Pathogenicity Features and Sequences between EBV, SARS-CoV-2, and HLA Class I Molecule-binding Motifs with a Potential Role in Autoimmunity. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 65:206-230. [PMID: 37505416 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08962-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are extraordinary in their ability to activate autoimmunity as well as to induce diverse autoimmune diseases. Here we reviewed the current knowledge on their relation. Further, we suggested that molecular mimicry could be a possible common mechanism of autoimmunity induction in the susceptible individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins, and EBV and human proteins, are present. Besides, relation of the pathogenicity associated with both coronavirus diseases and EBV supports the notion. As a proof-of-the-concept, we investigated 8mer sequences with shared 5mers of SARS-CoV-2, EBV, and human proteins, which were predicted as epitopes binding to the same human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertype representatives. We identified significant number of human peptide sequences with predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01 allele. Rest of the peptide sequences had predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01, HLA-B*40:01, HLA-B*27:05, HLA-A*01:01, and HLA-B*39:01 alleles. Carriers of these serotypes can be under a higher risk of autoimmune response induction upon getting infected, through molecular mimicry-based mechanisms common to SARS-CoV-2 and EBV infections. We additionally reviewed established associations of the identified proteins with the EBV-related pathogenicity and with the autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekbun Adiguzel
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Atilim University, Kizilcasar Mah. 06836 Incek, Golbasi, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Naim Mahroum
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Göztepe Mah, Atatürk Cd. No:40, Beykoz, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
| | - Sylviane Muller
- Centre National de la Recherche scientifique-Université de Strasbourg, Biotechnology and Cell Signalling Unit, Neuroimmunology and Peptide Therapeutics Team, Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute, Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Miri Blank
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Gilad Halpert
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
- Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
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8
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Xie C, Zhong LY, Bu GL, Zhao GX, Yuan BY, Liu YT, Sun C, Zeng MS. Anti-EBV antibodies: Roles in diagnosis, pathogenesis, and antiviral therapy. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28793. [PMID: 37212266 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is prevalent in global population and associated with multiple malignancies and autoimmune diseases. During the infection, EBV-harbored or infected cell-expressing antigen could elicit a variety of antibodies with significant role in viral host response and pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively evaluated and found to be valuable in predicting disease diagnosis and prognosis, exploring disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral agents. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV-related diseases, potential driving factors of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Long Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge-Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo-Yu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Chen X, Li H, Wu C, Zhang Y. Epstein‒Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Virol J 2023; 20:29. [PMID: 36782252 PMCID: PMC9926755 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01987-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease, and the etiology is still unclear. Some studies have indicated that viral infection might contribute to the development of SLE. METHODS A total of 105 individuals with SLE and 110 matched healthy controls were tested for EBV-specific DNA fragments in peripheral blood monocytes by PCR-Southern blotting. The expression of EBV-encoded genes was determined by RT-PCR and Southern blotting in EBV-positive patients. Serum EBV-specific IgM antibody was determined by ELISA. HHV-6 DNA in peripheral blood monocytes of those SLE patients and normal controls was tested by nested PCR. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that the EBV-positive rate of SLE patients was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2 = 87.329, P = 0), while the difference in the HHV-6-positive rate between the two groups was not significant (P > 0.05). An association of EBV and HHV-6 positivity in SLE patients was found (P = 0, r = 0.38). The EBV IgM level was significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls (χ2 = 25.184, P = 0). Forty-two of the 75 EBV DNA-positive specimens were positive for EBNA2 mRNA, and an association between EBV EBNA2 mRNA and anti-Sm antibody positivity was found (P = 0, r = 0.409). LMP1 mRNA was positive in 2 SLE patients with active phase, and no LMP2A mRNA expression was detected in EBV DNA-positive specimens. EBV early gene BARF1 mRNA was detected in 2 cases of EBV-positive SLE patients, and these 2 patients were also HHV-6 DNA positive. Thirty-eight patients were BcLF1 mRNA positive, and 33 of them were HHV-6 positive as well. These factors were associated (χ2 = 15.734, P = 0). The expression of the EBV immediate early gene BZLF1 was negative in all 75 EBV-positive SLE patients. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that EBV infection might be related to the occurrence of SLE. Although there is no direct evidence that HHV-6 infection is associated with the development of SLE, EBV and HHV-6 infection may have a coacceleration effect in SLE patients. This study provides a new theoretical and experimental basis for the study of viral etiology and the prevention and treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Chen
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 19 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chunling Wu
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogeny Biology, Basic Medicine College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China. .,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, 255036, China.
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10
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Laurynenka V, Ding L, Kaufman KM, James JA, Harley JB. A High Prevalence of Anti-EBNA1 Heteroantibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Supports Anti-EBNA1 as an Origin for SLE Autoantibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830993. [PMID: 35251022 PMCID: PMC8892314 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background That Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is established. The challenge is to explain mechanistic roles EBV has in SLE pathogenesis. Previous studies identify four examples of autoantibody cross-reactions between SLE autoantigens and Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1). For two of these examples, the earliest detected autoantibody specifically cross-reacts with EBNA1; thereby, defined EBNA1 epitopes induce a robust autoantibody response in animals. These results suggest that the autoantibodies initiating the process leading to SLE may emerge from the anti-EBNA1 heteroimmune response. If this hypothesis is true, then anti-EBNA1 responses would be more frequent in EBV-infected SLE patients than in EBV-infected controls. We tested this prediction. Methods We evaluated published East Asian data by selecting those with a positive anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) test and determining whether anti-EBNA1 was more common among the EBV-infected SLE cases than among matched EBV-infected controls with conditional logistic regression analysis. Results All the qualifying SLE patients (100%) in this dataset were EBV-infected compared to age- and sex-matched controls (92.2%) [odds ratio (OR) = 28.6, 95% CI 6.4–∞, p = 8.83 × 10-8], confirming the known close association of EBV infection with SLE. Furthermore, virtually all the SLE cases have both anti-VCA IgG and anti-EBNA1 IgG antibodies [124 of 125 (99.2%)], which are more frequently present than in age- and sex-matched EBV-infected controls [232 of 250 (93.2%)] (OR = 9.7, 95% CI 1.5–414, p = 0.0078) for an 89.7% SLE attributable risk from anti-EBNA1, which is in addition to the 100% SLE risk attributable to EBV infection in these data. Conclusions The association of EBV infection with SLE is reconfirmed. The prediction that anti-EBNA1 is more frequent in these SLE cases than in EBV-infected controls is true, consistent with the hypothesis that anti-EBNA1 contributes to SLE. This second EBV-dependent risk factor is consistent with a molecular mimicry model for the generation of SLE, starting with EBV infection, progressing to anti-EBNA1 response; then molecular mimicry leads to anti-EBNA1 antibodies cross-reacting with an SLE autoantigen, causing autoantibody epitope spreading, and culminating in clinical SLE. These results support the anti-EBNA1 heteroimmune response being a foundation from which pathogenic SLE autoimmunity emerges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoryia Laurynenka
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Lili Ding
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kenneth M Kaufman
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Research Service, US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Judith A James
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - John B Harley
- Research Service, US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Cincinnati Education and Research for Veterans Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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11
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Gudi R, Roy S, Sun W, Vasu C. Preclinical stage abundance and nuclear antigen reactivity of fecal Immunoglobulin A (IgA) varies among males and females of lupus-prone mouse models. Immunology 2022; 165:497-507. [PMID: 35138645 PMCID: PMC9417274 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies with nuclear antigen (nAg) specificity. Using (SWRxNZB)F1 (SNF1) mice, we showed higher levels of IgA production in the intestine and the nAg reactivity of fecal IgA under lupus susceptibility. Here, we determined if the fecal IgA abundance and nAg reactivity are higher in, different among, various lupus-prone preclinical models (MRL/lpr, NZBxNZW-F1, SNF1, NZM2410 and NZM2328). We also determined if the fecal IgA nAg reactivity at pre-seropositive ages correlates with the eventual serum autoantibody levels in males and females of these mouse models. We show that age dependent increase in the abundance and nAg reactivity of fecal IgA can vary among different lupus-prone mouse models. Importantly, fecal IgA in these mice show significant levels of nAg reactivity, starting as early as at juvenile age. Furthermore, the pre-seropositive stage nAg reactivity of fecal IgA in most lupus-prone strains correlates well with that of eventual, seropositive stage systemic autoantibody levels. Gender differences in serum autoantibody levels were preceded by similar differences in the fecal IgA abundance and nAg reactivity. These observations suggest that fecal IgA features, nAg reactivity particularly, could serve as a biomarker for early prediction of the eventual systemic autoimmunity in lupus-prone subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Gudi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC-29425, USA
| | - Soumyabrata Roy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC-29425, USA
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC-29425, USA
| | - Chenthamarakshan Vasu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC-29425, USA
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12
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Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Robinson
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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13
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Wood RA, Guthridge L, Thurmond E, Guthridge CJ, Kheir JM, Bourn RL, Wagner CA, Chen H, DeJager W, Macwana SR, Kamp S, Lu R, Arriens C, Chakravarty EF, Thanou A, Merrill JT, Guthridge JM, James JA. Serologic markers of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation are associated with increased disease activity, inflammation, and interferon pathway activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 4:100117. [PMID: 35005588 PMCID: PMC8716608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SLE is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by an unpredictable relapsing-remitting disease course. Although the etiology and mechanisms of SLE flares remain elusive, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation is implicated in SLE pathogenesis. This study examined the relationships between serological measures of EBV reactivation, disease activity, and interferon (IFN)-associated immune pathways in SLE patients. Sera from adult SLE patients (n = 175) and matched unaffected controls (n = 47) were collected and tested for antibodies against EBV-viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA; IgG and IgA), EBV-early antigen (EBV-EA; IgG), cytomegalovirus (CMV; IgG), and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1; IgG). Serological evidence of EBV reactivation was more common in SLE patients compared to controls as demonstrated by seropositivity to EBV-EA IgG (39% vs 13%; p = 0.0011) and EBV-VCA IgA (37% vs 17%; p = 0.018). EBV-VCA, CMV1, and HSV-1 IgG seropositivity rates did not differ between SLE patients and controls. Furthermore, concentrations of EBV-VCA (IgG and IgA) and EBV-EA (IgG) were higher in SLE patients. SLE patients with high disease activity had increased concentrations of EBV-VCA IgA (mean ISR 1.34 vs. 0.97; p = 0.041) and EBV-EA IgG levels (mean ISR 1.38 vs. 0.90; p = 0.007) compared with those with lower disease activity. EBV reactivation was associated with enhanced levels of the IFN-associated molecule IP-10 (p < 0.001) and the soluble mediators BLyS (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p = 0.0011). In addition, EBV-EA IgG responses were enriched in two previously defined patient clusters with robust expression of IFN and inflammatory or lymphoid and monocyte responses. Patients in these clusters were also more likely to have major organ involvement, such as renal disease. This study supports a possible role for EBV reactivation in SLE disease activity. Serologic markers of EBV reactivation are more common in SLE patients. Elevated EBV reactivation is associated with higher SLE disease activity. EBV serologic reactivation correlates with elevated IP-10, IL-10, and BLyS levels. EBV reactivation occurs in SLE clusters with robust inflammatory and IFN responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Wood
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Lauren Guthridge
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Emma Thurmond
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Carla J Guthridge
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Joseph M Kheir
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Rebecka L Bourn
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Catriona A Wagner
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Hua Chen
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Wade DeJager
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Susan R Macwana
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Stan Kamp
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Rufei Lu
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,Departments of Medicine and Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Cristina Arriens
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Eliza F Chakravarty
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Aikaterini Thanou
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Joan T Merrill
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Joel M Guthridge
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,Departments of Medicine and Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Judith A James
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,Departments of Medicine and Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
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14
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Anti-Sm antibodies in the classification criteria of systemic lupus erythematosus. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 5:100155. [PMID: 35464346 PMCID: PMC9026971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by autoantibodies and immune complex deposition. Several autoantibodies against mainly nuclear autoantigens have been described. One of these nuclear autoantigens is the Smith antigen. In this review, we focus on the position of autoantibodies against the Smith antigen in the classification criteria, the characteristics of the antigen, the production of anti-Smith antibodies in SLE and we discuss the different test methods available, together with their pitfalls, to detect these autoantibodies. Patients having anti-Sm antibodies already fulfil sixty percent of the criteria required for SLE classification. Correct interpretation of anti-Smith antibody test results is strongly related to the choice of the test used for detection. Anti-Sm antibodies are very specific for SLE.
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15
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Afrasiabi A, Keane JT, Ong LTC, Alinejad-Rokny H, Fewings NL, Booth DR, Parnell GP, Swaminathan S. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses support a switch to lytic phase in Epstein Barr virus infection as an important driver in developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2021; 127:102781. [PMID: 34952359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may contribute to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis, we interrogated SLE genetic risk loci for signatures of EBV infection. We first compared the gene expression profile of SLE risk genes across 459 different cell/tissue types. EBV-infected B cells (LCLs) had the strongest representation of highly expressed SLE risk genes. By determining an SLE risk allele effect on gene expression (expression quantitative trait loci, eQTL) in LCLs and 16 other immune cell types, we identified 79 SLE risk locus:gene pairs putatively interacting with EBV infection. A total of 10 SLE risk genes from this list (CD40, LYST, JAZF1, IRF5, BLK, IKZF2, IL12RB2, FAM167A, PTPRC and SLC15A) were targeted by the EBV transcription factor, EBNA2, differentially expressed between LCLs and B cells, and the majority were also associated with EBV DNA copy number, and expression level of EBV encoded genes. Our final gene network model based on these genes is suggestive of a nexus involving SLE risk loci and EBV latency III and B cell proliferation signalling pathways. Collectively, our findings provide further evidence to support the interaction between SLE risk loci and EBV infection that is in part mediated by EBNA2. This interplay may increase the tendency towards EBV lytic switching dependent on the presence of SLE risk alleles. These results support further investigation into targeting EBV as a therapeutic strategy for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Thomas Keane
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lawrence T C Ong
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Health Data Analytics Program Leader, AI-enabled Processes (AIP) Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia; Core Member of UNSW Data Science Hub, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nicole Louise Fewings
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Richmond Booth
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grant Peter Parnell
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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16
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Robinson S, Thomas R. Potential for Antigen-Specific Tolerizing Immunotherapy in Systematic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:654701. [PMID: 34335564 PMCID: PMC8322693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.654701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic complex systemic autoimmune disease characterized by multiple autoantibodies and clinical manifestations, with the potential to affect nearly every organ. SLE treatments, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, have greatly increased survival rates, but there is no curative therapy and SLE management is limited by drug complications and toxicities. There is an obvious clinical need for safe, effective SLE treatments. A promising treatment avenue is to restore immunological tolerance to reduce inflammatory clinical manifestations of SLE. Indeed, recent clinical trials of low-dose IL-2 supplementation in SLE patients showed that in vivo expansion of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) is associated with dramatic but transient improvement in SLE disease markers and clinical manifestations. However, the Treg cells that expanded were short-lived and unstable. Alternatively, antigen-specific tolerance (ASIT) approaches that establish long-lived immunological tolerance could be deployed in the context of SLE. In this review, we discuss the potential benefits and challenges of nanoparticle ASIT approaches to induce prolonged immunological tolerance in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Robinson
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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17
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Jog NR, James JA. Epstein Barr Virus and Autoimmune Responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 11:623944. [PMID: 33613559 PMCID: PMC7886683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.623944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease. Infections or infectious reactivation are potential triggers for initiation of autoimmunity and for SLE flares. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is gamma herpes virus that has been associated with several autoimmune diseases such as SLE, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances regarding how EBV may contribute to immune dysregulation, and how these mechanisms may relate to SLE disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelakshi R Jog
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Judith A James
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.,Departments of Medicine, Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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18
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Singh D, Oudit O, Hajtovic S, Sarbaugh D, Salis R, Adebowale T, James J, Spatz LA. Antibodies to an Epstein Barr Virus protein that cross-react with dsDNA have pathogenic potential. Mol Immunol 2021; 132:41-52. [PMID: 33545624 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens such as the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) have long been implicated in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Epstein Barr virus nuclear antigen I (EBNA-1) has been shown to play a role in the development of anti-nuclear antibodies characteristic of SLE. One mechanism by which EBV may play a role in SLE is molecular mimicry. We previously generated two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to EBNA-1 and demonstrated that they cross-react with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In the present study, we demonstrate that these mAbs have pathogenic potential. We show that they can bind to isolated rat glomeruli and that binding can be greatly diminished by pretreatment of glomeruli with DNase I, suggesting that these mAbs bind dsDNA in the kidney. We also demonstrate that these antibodies can deposit in the kidney when injected into mice and can induce proteinuria and elicit histopathological alterations consistent with glomerulonephritis. Finally, we show that these antibodies can cross-react with laminin and collagen IV in the extracellular matrix suggesting that direct binding to the glomerular basement membrane or mesangial matrix may also contribute to the antibody deposition in the kidney. In summary, our results indicate that EBNA-1 can elicit antibodies that cross-react with dsDNA, that can deposit in the kidney, and induce kidney damage. These results are significant because they support the role of a viral protein in SLE and lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Singh
- The Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department, The CUNY School of Medicine, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Omar Oudit
- The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Sabastian Hajtovic
- The CUNY School of Medicine, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Dylan Sarbaugh
- The Department of Biology, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Rafatu Salis
- The Department of Biology, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Temitayo Adebowale
- The Department of Biology, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Justin James
- The CUNY School of Medicine, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Linda A Spatz
- The Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department, The CUNY School of Medicine, The City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA.
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19
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Abundance and nuclear antigen reactivity of intestinal and fecal Immunoglobulin A in lupus-prone mice at younger ages correlate with the onset of eventual systemic autoimmunity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14258. [PMID: 32868790 PMCID: PMC7458927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent studies, using (SWRxNZB)F1 (SNF1) mice, showed a potential contribution of the gut microbiota and pro-inflammatory immune responses of the gut mucosa to systemic autoimmunity in lupus. Here, using this mouse model, we determined the abundance and the nAg reactivity of IgA antibody produced in the intestine under lupus susceptibility. Intestinal lymphoid tissues from SNF1 mice, females particularly, showed significantly higher frequencies of nAg (dsDNA and nucleohistone) reactive IgA producing B cells compared to B6 females. Most importantly, younger age fecal IgA -abundance and -nAg reactivity of lupus-prone mice showed a positive correlation with eventual systemic autoimmunity and proteinuria onset. Depletion of gut microbiota in SNF1 mice resulted in the diminished production of IgA in the intestine and the nAg reactivity of these antibodies. Overall, these observations show that fecal IgA features, nuclear antigen reactivity particularly, at preclinical stages/in at-risk subjects could be predictive of autoimmune progression.
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20
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Aygun D, Kuskucu MA, Sahin S, Adrovic A, Barut K, Yıldız M, Sharifova S, Midilli K, Cokugras H, Camcıoglu Y, Kasapcopur O. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and BK polyomavirus burden in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: correlation with clinical and laboratory indices of disease activity. Lupus 2020; 29:1263-1269. [PMID: 32646294 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320940029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical and laboratory investigations have revealed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is involved in altered immunological response of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Higher seroprevalence rates of anti-EBV antibodies and increased viral load are demonstrated in adult SLE patients. The prevalence of BK polyomavirus (BKV) reactivation is also suggested to be higher in SLE. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the immune response of children with SLE to EBV antigens in addition to EBV and BKV DNA. We also tried to evaluate whether these serological results differ from another connective tissue disease - juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSS) - and healthy individuals. METHODS Serum levels of EBV early antigen diffuse (EA-D) IgG, EBV nuclear antigen-1 IgG, EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA), cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, EBV DNA, CMV DNA and urinary BKV DNA were evaluated in healthy controls and in patients with a diagnosis of juvenile SLE (jSLE) and jSS. RESULTS A total of 70 jSLE patients, 14 jSS patients and 44 sex-matched healthy individuals were involved in the study. EBV VCA was positive in 84.2% of jSLE patients, 85.7% of jSS patients and 36.3% of healthy controls. EBV EA-D IgG positivity was significantly higher in jSLE patients compared to jSS patients and healthy controls (20% vs. 7.1% and 0%, p = 0.005). EBV VCA positivity was associated with malar rash and immunological disorder, but there was no statistical significance in other antibody positivity in terms of clinical and haemogram findings and autoantibody positivity. CMV DNA positivity was present in only 2.8% of jSLE patients. None of the jSS patients or the healthy controls had CMV DNA positivity. EBV DNA and BKV DNA were also negative in all three groups. CONCLUSION The results of our study assume a relationship between SLE and EBV, but we could not demonstrate an association between CMV and BKV. The negative DNA results in contrast to serological positivity can be interpreted as an altered and impaired immune system and increased viral susceptibility. These results suggest that EBV contributes to disease continuity, even if it does not directly cause development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Aygun
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mert Ahmet Kuskucu
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Sahin
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amra Adrovic
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Barut
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yıldız
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabina Sharifova
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Midilli
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haluk Cokugras
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yıldız Camcıoglu
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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Csorba K, Schirmbeck LA, Tuncer E, Ribi C, Roux-Lombard P, Chizzolini C, Huynh-Do U, Vanhecke D, Trendelenburg M. Anti-C1q Antibodies as Occurring in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Could Be Induced by an Epstein-Barr Virus-Derived Antigenic Site. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2619. [PMID: 31787984 PMCID: PMC6853867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is believed to trigger autoimmunity and to drive autoantibody generation as occurring in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Complement C1q and autoantibodies targeting it (anti-C1q) are also considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, independently of the impact of environmental insults. Still, the circumstances under which these autoantibodies arise remain elusive. By studying a major antigenic site of C1q targeted by anti-C1q (A08), we aimed to determine environmental factors and possible mechanisms leading to the development of anti-C1q. First, we determined antigenic residues of A08 that were critical for the binding of anti-C1q; importantly, we found the binding to depend on amino-acid-identity. Anti-C1q of SLE patients targeting these critical antigenic residues specifically cross-reacted with the EBV-related EBNA-1 (Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1)-derived peptide EBNA348. In a cohort of 180 SLE patients we confirmed that patients that were seropositive for EBV and recognized the EBNA348 peptide had increased levels of anti-A08 and anti-C1q, respectively. The correlation of anti-EBNA348 with anti-A08 levels was stronger in SLE patients than in matched healthy controls. Finally, EBNA348 peptide-immunization of C1q−/− mice induced the generation of cross-reactive antibodies which recognized both the A08 epitope of C1q and intact C1q. These findings suggest that anti-C1q in SLE patients could be induced by an EBV-derived epitope through molecular mimicry, thereby further supporting the pathogenic role of EBV in the development of SLE. Considering the role of C1q and anti-C1q, modifying the anti-EBV response might be a promising strategy to improve the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Csorba
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Biomedicine and Division of Internal Medicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucia A Schirmbeck
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Biomedicine and Division of Internal Medicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eylul Tuncer
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Biomedicine and Division of Internal Medicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Camillo Ribi
- Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Roux-Lombard
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Uyen Huynh-Do
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Vanhecke
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Biomedicine and Division of Internal Medicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marten Trendelenburg
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Biomedicine and Division of Internal Medicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Endosomal Toll-Like Receptors Mediate Enhancement of Interleukin-17A Production Triggered by Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Mice. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00987-19. [PMID: 31375581 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00987-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA increases the production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in mice. This property may contribute to the established association between EBV and autoimmune diseases. The objective of the present study was to elucidate mechanisms through which EBV DNA modulates IL-17A levels in mice. To determine whether endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) played a role in this pathway, the expression of TLR3, -7, or -9 was assessed by real-time reverse transcription-PCR in mouse spleens after injection of EBV DNA. Moreover, specific inhibitors were used for these TLRs in mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultured with EBV DNA and in mice injected with this viral DNA; IL-17A levels were then assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of the endosomal receptors TLR3, -7, and -9 was increased in mice injected with EBV DNA. When mouse immune cells were cultured with EBV DNA and a TLR3, -7, or -9 inhibitor or when mice were injected with the viral DNA along with either of these inhibitors, a significant decrease in IL-17A levels was detected. Therefore, endosomal TLRs are involved in the EBV DNA-mediated triggering of IL-17A production in mice. Targeting these receptors in EBV-positive subjects with autoimmunity may be useful pending investigations assessing whether they play a similar role in humans.IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus is a pathogen that causes persistent infection with potential consistent viral DNA shedding. The enhancement of production of proinflammatory cytokines by viral DNA itself may contribute to autoimmune disease development or exacerbation. In this project, we identified that endosomal Toll-like receptors are involved in triggering proinflammatory mediators in response to viral DNA. Pathways and receptors involved may serve as future therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Gonzalez-Quintial R, Mayeux JM, Kono DH, Theofilopoulos AN, Pollard KM, Baccala R. Silica exposure and chronic virus infection synergistically promote lupus-like systemic autoimmunity in mice with low genetic predisposition. Clin Immunol 2019; 205:75-82. [PMID: 31175964 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Considerable evidence indicates that autoimmune disease expression depends on both genetic and environmental factors. Among potential environmental triggers, occupational airway exposure to crystalline silica and virus infections have been linked to lupus and other autoimmune diseases in both humans and mouse models. Here, we hypothesized that combined silica and virus exposures synergize and induce autoimmune manifestations more effectively than single exposure to either of these factors, particularly in individuals with low genetic predisposition. Accordingly, infection with the model murine pathogen lymphocytic choriomenigitis virus (LCMV) in early life, followed by airway exposure to crystalline silica in adult life, induced lupus-like autoantibodies to several nuclear self-antigens including chromatin, RNP and Sm, concurrent with kidney lesions, in non-autoimmune C57BL/6 (B6) mice. In contrast, given individually, LCMV or silica were largely ineffectual in this strain. These results support a multihit model of autoimmunity, where exposure to different environmental factors acting on distinct immunostimulatory pathways complements limited genetic predisposition and increases the risk of autoimmunity above a critical threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica M Mayeux
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dwight H Kono
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kenneth M Pollard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Baccala
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Rojas M, Restrepo-Jiménez P, Monsalve DM, Pacheco Y, Acosta-Ampudia Y, Ramírez-Santana C, Leung PS, Ansari AA, Gershwin ME, Anaya JM. Molecular mimicry and autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2018; 95:100-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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25
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Thaper D, Prabha V. Molecular mimicry: An explanation for autoimmune diseases and infertility. Scand J Immunol 2018; 88:e12697. [PMID: 29935034 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms execute an enthralling range of adjustments to survive in the host. Among the various strategies employed by microorganisms to surmount the host immune response, the phenomenon of molecular mimicry empowers the microorganisms to manoeuvre host physiology and cellular functions for their own advantage by mimicking the host proteins and initiating autoimmunity. This phenomena, by and large, has been studied in context of autoimmune diseases; however, its implications have also been reported in infertility. Hence, in this article, we provide a review of the various instances of molecular mimicry initiated by bacteria, parasites and viruses in the world of autoimmune diseases and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Thaper
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vijay Prabha
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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26
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Tu J, Wang X, Geng G, Xue X, Lin X, Zhu X, Sun L. The Possible Effect of B-Cell Epitopes of Epstein-Barr Virus Early Antigen, Membrane Antigen, Latent Membrane Protein-1, and -2A on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:187. [PMID: 29497417 PMCID: PMC5819577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the role of B-cell epitopes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Early antigen protein D (EA), envelope glycoprotein GP340/membrane antigen (MA), latent membrane protein (LMP)-1, and LMP-2A in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B-cell epitopes were predicted by analyzing secondary structure, transmembrane domains, surface properties, and homological comparison. 60 female mice were randomized equally into 12 groups: 1-10 groups were immunized by epitope peptides (EPs) 1-10, respectively, while 11 and 12 groups were PBS and Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) control groups. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and autoantibody to nuclear antigen (ANA) concentrations in mice serum were determined at week 8. Indirect levels of EP1-10 were further detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) in 119 SLE patients and 64 age- and gender-matched health controls (HCs). 10 probable EBV EA, MA, LMP-1, and LMP-2A B-cell epitopes related to SLE self-antigens were predicted and corresponding EP1-10 were synthesized. IgG concentrations at week 8 were increased in EP1-10 and KLH groups compared with PBS group in mice; while ANA levels were elevated in only EP1-4, EP6-7, and EP10 groups compared to KLH group by ELISA, and ANA-positive rates were increased in only EP1, EP2, EP4, EP6, and EP10 groups by indirect immunofluorescence assay. EP1-4, EP6, and EP10 indirect levels were increased in SLE patients than HCs, while EP1, EP3, EP6, and EP9 were correlated with SLE disease activity index score. In conclusion, EBV EA, MA, LMP-1, and LMP-2A B-cell EPs increased SLE-related autoantibodies in mice, and their indirect levels might be served as potential biomarkers for SLE diagnosis and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Tu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guannan Geng
- Central Laboratory, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Basic Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Lin
- Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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27
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Cruz-Muñoz ME, Fuentes-Pananá EM. Beta and Gamma Human Herpesviruses: Agonistic and Antagonistic Interactions with the Host Immune System. Front Microbiol 2018; 8:2521. [PMID: 29354096 PMCID: PMC5760548 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant and diverse biological entities in the planet. Historically, our main interest in viruses has focused on their pathogenic role, recognized by pandemics that have decimated the world population. However, viral infections have also played a major role in the evolution of cellular organisms, both through interchanging of genes with novel functions and shaping the immune system. Examples abound of infections that seriously compromise the host integrity, but evidence of plant and insect viruses mutualistic relationships have recently surfaced in which infected hosts are better suited for survival, arguing that virus-host interactions are initially parasitic but become mutualistic over years of co-evolution. A similar mutual help scenario has emerged with commensal gut bacteria. EBV is a herpesvirus that shares more than a hundred million years of co-evolution with humans, today successfully infecting close to 100% of the adult world population. Infection is usually acquired early in childhood persisting for the host lifetime mostly without apparent clinical symptoms. Disturbance of this homeostasis is rare and results in several diseases, of which the best understood are infectious mononucleosis and several EBV-associated cancers. Less understood are recently found inborn errors of the immune system that result in primary immunodeficiencies with an increased predisposition almost exclusive to EBV-associated diseases. Puzzling to these scenarios of broken homeostasis is the co-existence of immunosuppression, inflammation, autoimmunity and cancer. Homologous to EBV, HCMV, HHV-6 and HHV-7 are herpesviruses that also latently infect most individuals. Several lines of evidence support a mutualistic equilibrium between HCMV/EBV and hosts, that when altered trigger diseases in which the immune system plays a critical role. Interestingly, these beta and gamma herpesviruses persistently infect all immune lineages and early precursor cells. In this review, we will discuss the evidence of the benefits that infection of immune cells with these herpesviruses brings to the host. Also, the circumstances in which this positive relationship is broken, predisposing the host to diseases characterized by an abnormal function of the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario E Cruz-Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ezequiel M Fuentes-Pananá
- Unidad de Investigación en Virología y Cáncer, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
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28
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HoHsieh A, Wang CM, Wu YJJ, Chen A, Chang MI, Chen JY. B cell epitope of human cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (HCMV pp65) induced anti-dsDNA antibody in BALB/c mice. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:65. [PMID: 28320458 PMCID: PMC5359867 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HCMV phosphoprotein 65 (HCMVpp65) is a putative immunogen that acts as an accelerator, inducing autoantibody and exacerbating autoimmune response in susceptible animals. The immunity to pp65336-439 instigates autoimmunity, suggesting that pp65336-439 contains crucial B cell epitope(s) for the development of nephritis. This study narrowed down the target epitope to pp65422-439 for immunization of BALB/c mice and mapping of B cell epitope. Methods The target epitope pp65422-439 reactivity and B cell epitope mapping was examined in serum from pp65422-439-immunized mice and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Kidney tissue from immunized mice was examined for signs of immune complex nephritis. Results Anti-pp65422-439 antibody in serum either from patients with SLE or from pp65422-439-immunized mice exhibited cross-reactivity to several nuclear components such as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Moreover, the pp65422-439-immunized mice developed initial signs of glomerulonephritis such as deposition of immunoglobulin G/M (IgG/IgM) and third complement component (C3). With B cell epitope mapping by pp65422-439-derived decapeptides, one dominant epitope, pp65428-437, was identified in serum from pp65422-439-immunized mice and patients with SLE with anti-pp65422-439 antibody. Epitope spreading from pp65428-437 to pp65430-439 was found in pp65422-439-immunized mice in which we generated monoclonal antibodies to pp65425-434 and pp65430-439. However, dsDNA positive reactivity was exclusively observed in Crithidia luciliae stains with pp65430-439-reactive monoclonal antibody. Additionally, we observed the amelioration of autoimmunity following the elevation of IgM targeting pp65428-437. Conclusions Our data suggest that pp65428-437 may be an autoimmune or lupus-prone B cell epitope and may catalyze further epitope spreading for inducing autoantibodies in lupus-susceptible individuals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1268-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao HoHsieh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chin Man Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yeong-Jian Jan Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 5, Fu-Shin St. Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, 33375, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Albert Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ming-I Chang
- Biologics, Ruen Huei Biopharmaceuticals, 1F, No.16-1, Ln. 119, Sec. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Jhongjheng Dist., Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ji-Yih Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 5, Fu-Shin St. Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, 33375, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Jeltsch-David H, Muller S. Autoimmunity, neuroinflammation, pathogen load: A decisive crosstalk in neuropsychiatric SLE. J Autoimmun 2016; 74:13-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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30
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Yadav P, Carr MT, Yu R, Mumbey-Wafula A, Spatz LA. Mapping an epitope in EBNA-1 that is recognized by monoclonal antibodies to EBNA-1 that cross-react with dsDNA. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2016; 4:362-75. [PMID: 27621818 PMCID: PMC5004290 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) has been associated with the autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). EBV nuclear antigen‐I (EBNA‐1) is the major nuclear protein of EBV. We previously generated an IgG monoclonal antibody (MAb) to EBNA‐1, 3D4, and demonstrated that it cross‐reacts with double stranded DNA (dsDNA) and binds the 148 amino acid viral binding site (VBS) in the carboxyl region of EBNA‐1. The aim of the present study was to characterize another antibody to EBNA‐1 that cross‐reacts with dsDNA, compare its immunoglobulin genes to 3D4, and finely map the epitope in EBNA‐1 that is recognized by these cross‐reactive antibodies. Methods We generated an IgM MAb to EBNA‐1, 16D2, from EBNA‐1 injected mice and demonstrated by ELISA that it cross‐reacts with dsDNA and binds the 148 amino acid VBS. We sequenced the variable heavy and light chain genes of 3D4 and 16D2 and compared V gene usage. To more finely map the epitope in EBNA‐1 recognized by these MAbs, we examined their binding by ELISA to 15 overlapping peptides spanning the 148 amino acid domain. Results Sequence analysis revealed that 3D4 and 16D2 utilize different VH and VL genes but identical JH and Jk regions with minimal junctional diversity. This accounts for similarities in their CDR3 regions and may explain their similar dual binding specificity. Epitope mapping revealed 3D4 and 16D2 bind the same peptide in the VBS. Based on the crystal structure of EBNA‐1, we observed that this peptide resides at the base of an exposed proline rich loop in EBNA‐1. Conclusion We have demonstrated that two MAbs that bind EBNA‐1 and cross‐react with dsDNA, recognize the same peptide in the VBS. This peptide may serve as a mimetope for dsDNA and may be of diagnostic and therapeutic value in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Yadav
- Department of ChemistryCity College of New York160 Convent AvenueNew YorkNew York10031; Graduate Program in BiochemistryGraduate Center of the City University of New York160 Convent AvenueNew YorkNew York10031
| | - Matthew T Carr
- Department of ChemistryCity College of New York160 Convent AvenueNew YorkNew York10031; Graduate Program in BiochemistryGraduate Center of the City University of New York160 Convent AvenueNew YorkNew York10031
| | - Ruby Yu
- Department of Biology City College of New York 160 Convent Avenue New York New York 10031
| | - Alice Mumbey-Wafula
- Department of Pathobiology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education City College of New York 160 Convent Avenue New York New York 10031
| | - Linda A Spatz
- Department of Pathobiology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education City College of New York 160 Convent Avenue New York New York 10031
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31
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Lu JJY, Chen DY, Hsieh CW, Lan JL, Lin FJ, Lin SH. Association of Epstein-Barr virus infection with systemic lupus erythematosus in Taiwan. Lupus 2016; 16:168-75. [PMID: 17432101 DOI: 10.1177/0961203306075800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
An association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been suggested from previous serologic evidence. Since most adults in Taiwan are EBV-infected, seroepidemiologic studies based on standard assays for EBV are unlikely to dissociate SLE patients and control groups. We reexamine this question by using novel methodologies in which IgA anti-EBV-coded nuclear antigens-1 (EBNA-1) and IgG anti-EBV DNase antibodies were analysed by ELISA, and EBV viral loads were detected by real-time quantitative PCR for 93 adult SLE patients and 370 age-, sex- and living place-matched healthy controls in Taiwan. The specificities of antibodies for extractible nuclear antigens were determined by Western blot. Our results show that IgA anti-EBV EBNA1 antibodies were detectable in 31.2% SLE patients but only in 4.1% of controls (odds ratio [OR] = 10.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.19–22.35; P < 10-7), IgG anti-EBV DNase antibodies were detected in 53.8% SLE patients but only in 12.2% controls (OR = 8.40, 95% CI = 4.87–14.51; P < 10-7). EBV DNA was amplifiable from the sera of 41.9% SLE patients but from only 3.24% controls ( P < 0.05). A significant association of IgG anti-EBV DNase antibodies with anti-Sm/RNP antibodies was observed ( P < 0.005). The higher seroreactivity and higher copy numbers of EBV genome indicated association of EBV infection with SLE in Taiwan.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use
- Adult
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Asian People
- Autoantigens/immunology
- DNA, Viral/blood
- Deoxyribonucleases/immunology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications
- Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens/immunology
- Genome, Viral
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/enzymology
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin A/blood
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/blood
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/virology
- Middle Aged
- Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear/immunology
- Taiwan
- Viral Load
- snRNP Core Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Y Lu
- National Taichung Nursing College, Taichung, Taiwan
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32
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Stearns NA, Pisetsky DS. The role of monogamous bivalency and Fc interactions in the binding of anti-DNA antibodies to DNA antigen. Clin Immunol 2016; 166-167:38-47. [PMID: 27083935 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies to DNA (anti-DNA) are the serological hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus. These antibodies can bind DNA avidly by monogamous bivalency, a mechanism which requires the interaction of both Fab combining regions with antigenic determinants on the same polynucleotide. To explore further this mechanism, we tested Fab and F(ab')2 fragments prepared from IgG from patient plasmas in an ELISA with native DNA antigen, detecting antibody with a peroxidase conjugated anti-Fab reagent. These studies showed that Fab fragments, which can only bind monovalently, had negligible activity. Although bivalent F(ab')2 fragments would be predicted to bind DNA, these fragments also showed poor anti-DNA activity. Control studies showed that the fragments retained antibody activity to tetanus toxoid and an EBV antigen preparation. Together, these findings suggest that anti-DNA avidity depends on monogamous bivalency, with the antibody Fc portion also influencing DNA binding, in a mechanism which can be termed Fc-dependent monogamous bivalency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Stearns
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Medical Research Service, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David S Pisetsky
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Medical Research Service, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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33
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Lindsey JW, deGannes SL, Pate KA, Zhao X. Antibodies specific for Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 cross-react with human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L. Mol Immunol 2015; 69:7-12. [PMID: 26637929 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), and antibodies to the EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) are consistently increased in MS patients. The hypothesis of this study is that anti-EBNA-1 antibodies cross-react with a self antigen in MS patients. We affinity purified anti-EBNA-1 antibodies from human plasma, used the anti-EBNA-1 to immunoprecipitate antigens from human brain, and identified bound antigens with mass spectrometry. Anti-EBNA-1 consistently bound heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL). We expressed both the long and short isoforms of this protein, and verified with Western blots and ELISA that the long isoform cross-reacts with EBNA-1. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that anti-EBNA-1 bound to an antigen in the nucleus of cultured rat central nervous system cells. ELISA demonstrated the presence of antibodies to HNRNPL in the plasma of both healthy controls and MS patients, but anti-HNRNPL was not increased in MS patients. We conclude that HNRNPL is an autoantigen which cross-reacts with EBNA-1. The relevance of this autoantigen to MS and other autoimmune diseases remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J William Lindsey
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Samantha L deGannes
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kimberly A Pate
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiurong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Maoz-Segal R, Andrade P. Molecular Mimicry and Autoimmunity. INFECTION AND AUTOIMMUNITY 2015. [PMCID: PMC7151819 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63269-2.00054-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The term Molecular mimicry describes the sequence similarity between foreign (microorganism's peptides) and self peptides (the host's antigen). This phenomenon has been recently discovered as a one of the major mechanism in which there is a break-down of self-tolerance of the immune system following autoimmunity. After a short preface, the chapter contains examples of common infectious agents and their role in autoimmune diseases. Later on, it describes the autoimmune diseases in which there was found a relation to infectious agents via molecular mimicry mechanism. The data is summarized in two tables.
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Abstract
Although a role of EBV in autoimmunity is biologically plausible and evidence of altered immune responses to EBV is abundant in several autoimmune diseases, inference on causality requires the determination that disease risk is higher in individuals infected with EBV than in those uninfected and that in the latter it increases following EBV infection. This determination has so far been possible only for multiple sclerosis (MS) and, to some extent, for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas evidence is either lacking or not supportive for other autoimmune conditions. In this chapter, we present the main epidemiological findings that justify the conclusion that EBV is a component cause of MS and SLE and possible mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Cuomo L, Cirone M, Di Gregorio AO, Vitillo M, Cattivelli M, Magliocca V, Maiorano S, Meledandri M, Scagnolari C, La Rocca S, Trivedi P. Elevated antinuclear antibodies and altered anti-Epstein-Barr virus immune responses. Virus Res 2014; 195:95-9. [PMID: 25300805 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is able to alter the immune response towards self-antigens and may enhance risk of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in genetically predisposed individuals. In this study, we evaluated the specific antibody immune response against EBV in patients with anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) in comparison with ANA-negative healthy controls. For this purpose, 92 patients with an high anti-ANA reactivity with or without concomitant extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) or double stranded DNA (dsDNA) positivity were selected and compared with 146 healthy donors. We found that anti-EBV-VCA and EA IgG concentrations were significantly higher in ANA-positive patients in comparison to the controls (VCA P<0.0001 and EA P<0,03) as well as in those ANA-positive patients that showed a concomitant ENA positivity (P=0.0002). Interestingly, elevated anti-EBNA-1 IgG was found in a group of patients who had anti SSA/Ro antibodies. Anti-VCA IgM Abs were more frequently found in those patients with a very high titer of ANA (P=0.06); moreover detection of anti-VCA IgM/IgG in absence of anti-EBNA-1 IgG was more frequent in the patient than in the control group. Both these conditions correlate with a recent EBV infection or reactivation. The data suggest that EBV, particularly during acute infection or in its reactivation phase, could be involved in the ANA and ENA autoantibody formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cuomo
- U.O.C. Patologia Clinica, A.C.O. San Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marina Vitillo
- U.O.C. Patologia Clinica, A.C.O. San Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Cattivelli
- U.O.C. Microbiologia e Virologia, A.C.O. San Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvana Maiorano
- U.O.C. Microbiologia e Virologia, A.C.O. San Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pankaj Trivedi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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Lossius A, Johansen JN, Torkildsen Ø, Vartdal F, Holmøy T. Epstein-Barr virus in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis—association and causation. Viruses 2013; 4:3701-30. [PMID: 23342374 PMCID: PMC3528287 DOI: 10.3390/v4123701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggest that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and if so, by which mechanisms the virus may contribute. In this review, we discuss possible viral and immunological mechanisms that might explain associations between EBV and autoimmune diseases and whether these associations represent causes or effects of inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lossius
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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Croia C, Serafini B, Bombardieri M, Kelly S, Humby F, Severa M, Rizzo F, Coccia EM, Migliorini P, Aloisi F, Pitzalis C. Epstein–Barr virus persistence and infection of autoreactive plasma cells in synovial lymphoid structures in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2012; 72:1559-68. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Epstein-barr virus as a trigger of autoimmune liver diseases. Adv Virol 2012; 2012:987471. [PMID: 22693505 PMCID: PMC3368154 DOI: 10.1155/2012/987471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases includes a combination of genetic factors and environmental exposures including infectious agents. Infectious triggers are commonly indicated as being involved in the induction of autoimmune disease, with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) being implicated in several autoimmune disorders. EBV is appealing in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, due to its high prevalence worldwide, its persistency throughout life in the host's B lymphocytes, and its ability to alter the host's immune response and to inhibit apoptosis. However, the evidence in support of EBV in the pathogenesis varies among diseases. Autoimmune liver diseases (AiLDs), including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), have a potential causative link with EBV. The data surrounding EBV and AiLD are scarce. The lack of evidence surrounding EBV in AiLD may also be reflective of the rarity of these conditions. EBV infection has also been linked to other autoimmune conditions, which are often found to be concomitant with AiLD. This paper will critically examine the literature surrounding the link between EBV infection and AiLD development. The current evidence is far from being conclusive of the theory of a link between EBV and AiLD.
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Effects of IRF5 lupus risk haplotype on pathways predicted to influence B cell functions. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:594056. [PMID: 22500098 PMCID: PMC3304673 DOI: 10.1155/2012/594056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Both genetic and environmental interactions affect systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development and pathogenesis. One known genetic factor associated with lupus is a haplotype of the interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) gene. Analysis of global gene expression microarray data using gene set enrichment analysis identified multiple interferon- and inflammation-related gene sets significantly overrepresented in cells with the risk haplotype. Pathway analysis using expressed genes from the significant gene sets impacted by the IRF5 risk haplotype confirmed significant correlation with the interferon pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway, and the B-cell receptor pathway. SLE patients with the IRF5 risk haplotype have a heightened interferon signature, even in an unstimulated state (P = 0.011), while patients with the IRF5 protective haplotype have a B cell interferon signature similar to that of controls. These results identify multiple genes in functionally significant pathways which are affected by IRF5 genotype. They also establish the IRF5 risk haplotype as a key determinant of not only the interferon response, but also other B-cell pathways involved in SLE.
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Jeffries MA, Sawalha AH. Epigenetics in systemic lupus erythematosus: leading the way for specific therapeutic agents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 6:423-439. [PMID: 22184503 DOI: 10.2217/ijr.11.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of an unclearly determined etiology. Past studies, both epidemiological and biological, have implicated epigenetic influences in disease etiology and pathogenesis. Epigenetics describes changes in gene expression not linked to alterations in the underlying genomic sequence, and is most often typified by three modifications: methylation of DNA, addition of various side chains to histone groups and transcriptional regulation via short ncRNA sequences. The purpose of this article is to review the most important advances that link epigenetic changes to lupus. The contribution of DNA methylation changes to lupus pathogenesis is discussed. These include the role of apoptotic DNA, ultraviolet radiation, endogenous retroviruses, dietary contributions and aging. Hypomethylation of specific genes overexpressed in lupus T cells such as ITGAL (CD11a), CD40LG (CD40L), TNFSF7 (CD70), KIR2DL4 and PRF1 (perforin), and CD5 in lupus B cells seem to play an important role. Moreover, histone modifications such as increased global H4 acetylation in monocytes are highly associated with SLE. NcRNAs, especially miR-21, miR-148a and miR-126, control other elements of epigenetic regulation; particularly, transcription of the maintenance DNA methylation enzyme DNMT1. Epigenetic contributions to SLE etiology have been well established, but much is still unknown. Epigenome-wide studies coupled with functional analysis of the epigenomic changes discovered will uncover novel pathways important in disease pathogenesis. Epigenetic therapies for SLE may be feasible in the future, particularly if they are designed to target specific regions within the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matlock A Jeffries
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Niller HH, Wolf H, Ay E, Minarovits J. Epigenetic dysregulation of epstein-barr virus latency and development of autoimmune disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 711:82-102. [PMID: 21627044 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8216-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is ahumanherpesvirus thatpersists in the memory B-cells of the majority of the world population in a latent form. Primary EBV infection is asymptomatic or causes a self-limiting disease, infectious mononucleosis. Virus latency is associated with a wide variety of neoplasms whereof some occur in immune suppressed individuals. Virus production does not occur in strict latency. The expression of latent viral oncoproteins and nontranslated RNAs is under epigenetic control via DNA methylation and histone modifications that results either in a complete silencing of the EBV genome in memory B cells, or in a cell-type dependent usage of a couple of latency promoters in tumor cells, germinal center B cells and lymphoblastoid cells (LCL, transformed by EBV in vitro). Both, latent and lytic EBV proteins elicit a strong immune response. In immune suppressed and infectious mononucleosis patients, an increased viral load can be detected in the blood. Enhanced lytic replication may result in new infection- and transformation-events and thus is a risk factor both for malignant transformation and the development of autoimmune diseases. An increased viral load or a changed presentation of a subset of lytic or latent EBV proteins that cross-react with cellular antigens may trigger pathogenic processes through molecular mimicry that result in multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Helmut Niller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene of the University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Sun Y, Sun S, Li W, Li B, Li J. Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection in systemic lupus erythematosus. Virol J 2011; 8:210. [PMID: 21549013 PMCID: PMC3116491 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background For decades, scientists have tried to understand the environmental factors involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which viral infections was included. Previous studies have identified Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to incite SLE. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), another member of the gammaherpesvirus family, shares a lot in common with EBV. The characteristics of HHV-8 make it a well-suited candidate to trigger SLE. Results In the present study, serum samples from patients (n = 108) with diagnosed SLE and matched controls (n = 122) were collected, and the prevalence of HHV-8 was compared by a virus-specific nested PCR and a whole virus enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA). There was significant difference in the prevalence of HHV-8 DNA between SLE patients and healthy controls (11 of 107 vs 1 of 122, p = 0.001); significant difference was also found in the detection of HHV-8 antibodies (19 of 107 vs 2 of 122, p < 0.001). We also detected the antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1). Both patients and controls showed high seroprevalence with no significant difference (106 of 107 vs 119 of 122, p = 0.625). Conclusion Our finding indicated that there might be an association between HHV-8 and the development of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, People's Republic of China
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Yadav P, Tran H, Ebegbe R, Gottlieb P, Wei H, Lewis RH, Mumbey-Wafula A, Kaplan A, Kholdarova E, Spatz L. Antibodies elicited in response to EBNA-1 may cross-react with dsDNA. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14488. [PMID: 21245919 PMCID: PMC3014975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several genetic and environmental factors have been linked to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). One environmental trigger that has a strong association with SLE is the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Our laboratory previously demonstrated that BALB/c mice expressing the complete EBNA-1 protein can develop antibodies to double stranded DNA (dsDNA). The present study was undertaken to understand why anti-dsDNA antibodies arise during the immune response to EBNA-1. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we demonstrated that mouse antibodies elicited in response to EBNA-1 cross-react with dsDNA. First, we showed that adsorption of sera reactive with EBNA-1 and dsDNA, on dsDNA cellulose columns, diminished reactivity with EBNA-1. Next, we generated mononclonal antibodies (MAbs) to EBNA-1 and showed, by several methods, that they also reacted with dsDNA. Examination of two cross-reactive MAbs—3D4, generated in this laboratory, and 0211, a commercial MAb—revealed that 3D4 recognizes the carboxyl region of EBNA-1, while 0211 recognizes both the amino and carboxyl regions. In addition, 0211 binds moderately well to the ribonucleoprotein, Sm, which has been reported by others to elicit a cross-reactive response with EBNA-1, while 3D4 binds only weakly to Sm. This suggests that the epitope in the carboxyl region may be more important for cross-reactivity with dsDNA while the epitope in the amino region may be more important for cross-reactivity with Sm. Conclusions/Significance In conclusion, our results demonstrate that antibodies to the EBNA-1 protein cross-react with dsDNA. This study is significant because it demonstrates a direct link between the viral antigen and the development of anti-dsDNA antibodies, which are the hallmark of SLE. Furthermore, it illustrates the crucial need to identify the epitopes in EBNA-1 responsible for this cross-reactivity so that therapeutic strategies can be designed to mask these regions from the immune system following EBV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, The City College of New York and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry, The City College of New York and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hoa Tran
- The Graduate School of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Roland Ebegbe
- The Graduate School of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul Gottlieb
- The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry, The City College of New York and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hui Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rita H. Lewis
- The Graduate School of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alice Mumbey-Wafula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Atira Kaplan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Elina Kholdarova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Linda Spatz
- The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry, The City College of New York and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related diseases are characterized by circulating autoantibodies to defined intracellular targets. Among the earliest identified autoantibodies were those directed to components of U2-U6 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) known as Smith (Sm) antigen, which are highly specific for SLE. The Sm-antigen is composed of at least nine different polypeptides with molecular weights ranging from 9 to 29.5 kDa (B (B1, 28 kDa), B' (B2, 29 kDa), N (B3, 29.5 kDa), D1 (16 kDa), D2 (16.5 kDa), D3 (18 kDa), E (12 kDa), F (11 kDa), and G (9 kDa)). All of the nine core proteins, but most frequently the B and D polypeptides, are targets of the anti-Sm autoimmune response. However, since SmBB' and U1 specific RNPs share the cross-reactive epitope motif PPPGMRPP, SmD is regarded as the most SLE specific Sm-antigen. It has been shown that the polypeptides D1, D3, and BB' contain symmetrical dimethylarginine, constituting a major autoepitope within the C-terminus of SmD1 and SmD3. Several synthetic peptides have been used for the detection of anti-Sm antibodies and thus for the diagnosis of SLE. Anti-Sm antibodies have been reported to occur later than other SLE associated autoantibodies and, on average, around 1 year before the clinical onset of SLE. The present review provides a comprehensive summary on the history of anti-Sm antibodies and their use as biochemical tools to study cellular processes and as biomarker in the diagnosis of SLE. Additionally, a meta-analysis focused on recent data analyzes the prevalence of anti-Sm antibodies in SLE.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genetic and environmental factors influence the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are proposed as a molecular link between the human genome and environmental factors, such as viruses, in lupus pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS The HRES-1 human ERV encodes a 28-kD nuclear autoantigen and a 24-kD small GTP-ase, termed HRES-1/Rab4. HRES-1/p28 is a target of cross-reactive antiviral antibodies, whereas HRES-1/Rab4 regulates the surface expression of CD4 via endosome recycling. The tat gene of HIV-1 induces the expression of HRES-1/Rab4, which in turn downregulates expression of CD4 and susceptibility to reinfection by HIV-1. HRES-1/Rab4 is overexpressed in lupus T cells where it correlates with increased recycling of CD4 and CD3 and contributes to downregulation of CD3/TCRzeta via lysosomal degradation. Chilblain lupus has been linked to the deficiency of 3'-5' repair exonuclease Trex1 that metabolizes DNA reverse-transcribed from ERV. Trex1 deficiency or blocked integration of ERV-encoded DNA also promotes lupus in murine models. SUMMARY ERV proteins may trigger lupus through structural and functional molecular mimicry, whereas the accumulation of ERV-derived nucleic acids stimulates interferon and anti-DNA antibody production in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Perl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
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Moccia M, Roviello GN, Bucci EM, Pedone C, Saviano M. Synthesis of a l-lysine-based alternate alpha,epsilon-peptide: A novel linear polycation with nucleic acids-binding ability. Int J Pharm 2010; 397:179-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2010.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Esen BA, Yılmaz G, Uzun S, Ozdamar M, Aksözek A, Kamalı S, Türkoğlu S, Gül A, Ocal L, Aral O, Inanç M. Serologic response to Epstein-Barr virus antigens in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a controlled study. Rheumatol Int 2010; 32:79-83. [PMID: 20661740 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-010-1573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed a link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. We sought to determine the features of serologic response to EBV in SLE patients and whether this response differs from those of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients as well as healthy individuals. Sera from 198 consecutive SLE patients have been tested to detect IgG antibodies to EA/D, EBNA-1, VCA P18 and for comparison, cytomegalovirus (CMV) using commercially available ELISA kits (Trinity Biotech, USA). Forty-six SSc patients and 38 PAPS patients were enrolled as diseased control groups and sixty-five individuals as healthy controls. Significantly more SLE (54%, P = 0.001, OR 5.77, 95% CI 2.8-11.6), SSc (41.3%, P = 0.005, OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8.2) and PAPS sera (36.8%, P = 0.023, OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.14-7.22) reacted against EA/D than healthy controls (16.9%). The mean age of anti-EA/D-positive SLE patients was significantly higher, and their disease duration was longer compared to anti-EA/D-negative SLE patients (41 ± 14 vs. 33.8 ± 10.8 years, P < 0.001 and 100 ± 73 vs. 71 ± 62 months, P = 0.003). In SLE patients, EA/D reactivity was associated with Raynaud's phenomenon and the presence of any anti-ENA antibodies. Although it did not reach a statistical significance, anti-EBNA-1 reactivity was slightly lower in patients with SLE. The frequency of anti-CMV Ig G positivity was found significantly higher in SLE patients (100%) when compared to patients with SSc (95.7%), PAPS (94.7%) and healthy controls (95.4%) (P = 0.035, P = 0.025 and P = 0.015 respectively). Our results support the proposed link between EBV and SLE. The finding that SSc and PAPS patients also have increased frequency of anti-EA/D response has revealed that this immune interaction may not be unique to patients with SLE, and there may be a common mechanism involving EBV in these autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Artım Esen
- Rheumatology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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49
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Francis L, Perl A. Infection in systemic lupus erythematosus: friend or foe? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 5:59-74. [PMID: 20209114 DOI: 10.2217/ijr.09.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Infectious agents have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Common viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, transfusion transmitted virus, parvovirus and cytomegalovirus, have an increased prevalence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. They may contribute to disease pathogenesis through triggering autoimmunity via structural or functional molecular mimicry, encoding proteins that induce cross-reactive immune responses to self antigens or modulate antigen processing, activation, or apoptosis of B and T cells, macrophages or dendritic cells. Alternatively, some infectious agents, such as malaria, Toxoplasma gondii and Helicobacter pylori, may have a protective effect. Vaccinations may play dual roles by protecting against friend and foe alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Francis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine State University of New York, College of Medicine 750 East Adams Street Syracuse, New York 13210, USA
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50
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Agmon-Levin N, Blank M, Paz Z, Shoenfeld Y. Molecular mimicry in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2010; 18:1181-5. [PMID: 19880565 DOI: 10.1177/0961203309346653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-systemic autoimmune disease distinguished by the presence of various autoantibodies. Like most autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus is believed to be induced by a combination of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors, mainly infectious agents. Molecular mimicry between an infectious antigen and self-components is implicated as a pivotal mechanism by which autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus are triggered. Here we review the current evidence of molecular mimicry between different infectious agents and systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Agmon-Levin
- Department of Medicine B, and The Center for Autoimmune Diseases Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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