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Liedtke V, Stöckle M, Junker K, Roggenbuck D. Benign prostatic hyperplasia - A novel autoimmune disease with a potential therapy consequence? Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103511. [PMID: 38168573 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103511] [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] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is considered as an age-related disease of men with an unknown etiopathophysiology. Chronic inflammation has been proposed as one of the major pathophysiological mechanisms. There is growing evidence for the involvement of autoimmune responses in an inflammatory setting in the prostate. Patients with autoimmune diseases show a significantly elevated prevalence of BPH. Conventional therapy options for BPH are limited, rendering surgery the ultimate alternative. However, immunosuppression via tumor necrosis factor alpha blocker appears to reduce symptoms in patients with BPH and concurrent autoimmune disease due to the reduction of epithelial hyperplasia and macrophage-induced inflammation. New diagnostic options using HEp-2 cells with overexpression of LEDGF/p75 or mitochondrial DNA as autoimmune targets could be used to identify BPH patients with autoimmune responses. Given the presumed involvement of autoimmune responses in BPH and the efficacy of immunosuppression in reducing BPH symptoms, BPH or subvariants of BPH may be candidates for a new autoimmune disease in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Liedtke
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Michael Stöckle
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Junker
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Roggenbuck
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany; Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany.
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Liedtke V, Rose L, Hiemann R, Nasser A, Rödiger S, Bonaventura A, Winkler L, Sowa M, Stöckle M, Schierack P, Junker K, Roggenbuck D. Over-Expression of LEDGF/p75 in HEp-2 Cells Enhances Autoimmune IgG Response in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-A Novel Diagnostic Approach with Therapeutic Consequence? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076166. [PMID: 37047137 PMCID: PMC10093878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076166] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lens epithelium-derived growth factor splice variant of 75 kDa (LEDGF/p75) is an autoantigen over-expressed in solid tumors and acts as a stress-related transcriptional co-activator. Participation of autoimmune responses in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (PBH) and a corresponding immunosuppressive therapy by TNFalpha antagonists has been recently suggested. Thus, autoAb testing could aid in the diagnosis of BPH patients profiting from such therapy. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 modified HEp-2 LEDGF knock-out (KO) and HEp-2 LEDGF/p75 over-expressing (OE) cells and examined IgG autoantibody reactivity to LEDGF/p75 in patients with prostate cancer (PCa, n = 89), bladder cancer (BCa, n = 116), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, n = 103), and blood donors (BD, n = 60) by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Surprisingly, we could not detect elevated binding of autoAbs against LEDGF/p75 in cancer patients, but autoAb reactivity to LEDGF/p75 OE cells in about 50% of patients with BPH was unexpectedly significantly increased. Furthermore, a line immunoassay enabling the detection of 18 different autoAbs revealed a significantly increased occurrence of anti-dsDNA autoAbs in 34% of BPH patients in contrast to tumor patients and BD. This finding was confirmed by anti-mitochondrial (mDNA) autoAb detection with the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test, which also showed a significantly higher prevalence (34%) of anti-mDNA autoAbs in BPH. In summary, our study provided further evidence for the occurrence of autoimmune responses in BPH. Furthermore, LEDGF/p75 over-expression renders HEp-2 cells more autoantigenic and an ideal target for autoAb analysis in BPH with a potential therapy consequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Liedtke
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Laura Rose
- GA Generic Assays GmbH, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany
| | - Rico Hiemann
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Rödiger
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Alena Bonaventura
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Laura Winkler
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Mandy Sowa
- GA Generic Assays GmbH, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany
| | - Michael Stöckle
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Peter Schierack
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Junker
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Roggenbuck
- Faculty Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
- GA Generic Assays GmbH, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
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Tang WW, Naga Prasad SV. Autoantibodies and Cardiomyopathy: Focus on Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 80:354-363. [PMID: 35323150 PMCID: PMC9452444 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Antibody response to self-antigens leads to autoimmune response that plays a determinant role in cardiovascular disease outcomes including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the origins of the self-reactive endogenous autoantibodies are not well-characterized, it is believed to be triggered by tissue injury or dysregulated humoral response. Autoantibodies that recognize G protein-coupled receptors are considered consequential because they act as modulators of downstream receptor signaling displaying a wide range of unique pharmacological properties. These wide range of pharmacological properties exhibited by autoantibodies has cellular consequences that is associated with progression of disease including DCM. Increase in autoantibodies recognizing beta-1 adrenergic receptor (β1AR), a G protein-coupled receptor critical for cardiac function, is observed in patients with DCM. Cellular and animal model studies have indicated pathological roles for the β1AR autoantibodies but less is understood about the molecular basis of their modulatory effects. Despite the recognition that β1AR autoantibodies could mediate deleterious outcomes, emerging evidence suggests that not all β1AR autoantibodies are deleterious. Recent clinical studies show that β1AR autoantibodies belonging to the IgG3 subclass is associated with beneficial cardiac outcomes in patients. This suggests that our understanding on the roles the β1AR autoantibodies play in mediating outcomes is not well-understood. Technological advances including structural determinants of antibody binding could provide insights on the modulatory capabilities of β1AR autoantibodies in turn, reflecting their diversity in mediating β1AR signaling response. In this study, we discuss the significance of the diversity in signaling and its implications in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- W.H. Wilson Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sathyamangla V. Naga Prasad
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Nowańska K, Wiśnicki K, Kuriata-Kordek M, Krajewska M, Banasik M. The role of endothelin II type A receptor (ETAR) in transplant injury. Transpl Immunol 2021; 70:101505. [PMID: 34793957 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antibody-mediated rejection is the leading cause of deterioration of graft function and graft loss after kidney transplantation. Recent studies have reported an increasing role of non-HLA antibodies in the humoral injury after kidney transplantation. We decided to present the influence of non-HLA antibodies - anti-endothelin II type A receptor (ETAR) on a transplanted kidney and characterize the significance of their receptor. RECENT FINDINGS The role of non-HLA antibodies is still uncertain. Many studies suggest that the presence of non-HLA antibodies, including anti-ETAR antibodies, is among the risk factors for antibody-mediated rejection, graft injury, and graft loss. The discovery of new antigen targets and antibodies, which participate in the humoral response, has provided a significantly better understanding of the mechanism of antibody-mediated rejection after organ transplantation. SUMMARY Endothelin and its receptors play an important role in physiology and pathophysiology after solid organ transplantation. ETAR and antibodies against ETAR may participate in humoral rejection and graft damage. The measurement of anti-ETAR antibodies may identify patients with an increased risk of rejection and even loss of a transplanted organ. Expression of ETAR detected in biopsy of transplant could become an additional tool used to better understand humoral activity. More research is needed to address many questions about non-HLA directed rejection and graft damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Nowańska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Wiśnicki
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuriata-Kordek
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mirosław Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
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Wallukat G, Jandrig B, Becker NP, Wendler JJ, Göttel P, Müller J, Schostak M, Schimke I. Autoantibodies directed against α1-adrenergic receptor and endothelin receptor A in patients with prostate cancer. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2020; 11:13. [PMID: 32977857 PMCID: PMC7519497 DOI: 10.1186/s13317-020-00136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For prostate cancer, signaling pathways induced by over-boarding stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) such as the endothelin, α1- and β-adrenergic, muscarinic and angiotensin 1 receptors were accused to support the carcinogenesis. However, excessive receptor stimulation by physiological receptor ligands is minimized by a control system that induces receptor sensitization and down-regulation. This system is missing when so-called "functional autoantibodies" bind to the GPCR (GPCR-AAB). If GPCR-AAB were found in patients with prostate cancer, uncontrolled GPCR stimulation could make these autoantibodies an additional supporter in prostate cancer. METHODS Using the bioassay of spontaneously beating cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, GPCR-AAB were identified, quantified and characterized in the serum of 25 patients (aged 56-78 years, median 70 years) with prostate cancer compared to 10 male patients (aged 48-82 years, median 64) with urinary stone disorders (controls). RESULTS Of the cancer patients, 24 (96%) and 17 (68%), respectively, carried autoantibodies directed against the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AAB) and endothelin receptor A (ETA-AAB). No patient was negative for both GPCR-AAB. In contrast, ETA-AAB and α1-AAB were absent in all (100%) and 9 (90%) of the 10 control patients, respectively. While α1-AAB targeted a specific epitope of the first extracellular loop of the α1-adrenergic receptor subtype A, an epitope of the second extracellular loop of the ETA receptor was identified as a target of ETA-AAB. As demonstrated in vitro, the functional activity of both autoantibodies found in prostate cancer can be neutralized by the aptamer BC007. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesized that α1-AAB and ETA-AAB, which are highly present in prostate cancer patients, could by their functional activity support carcinogenesis by excessive receptor stimulation. The in vitro demonstrated neutralization of α1- and ETA-AAB by the aptamer BC007 could open the door to complement the treatments already available for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Wallukat
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Jandrig
- Universitätsklinik für Urologie, Uroonkologie, robotergestützte und fokale Therapie, Otto von Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Johann J Wendler
- Universitätsklinik für Urologie, Uroonkologie, robotergestützte und fokale Therapie, Otto von Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Göttel
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Müller
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schostak
- Universitätsklinik für Urologie, Uroonkologie, robotergestützte und fokale Therapie, Otto von Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Schimke
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany.
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Senécal JL, Hoa S, Yang R, Koenig M. Pathogenic roles of autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis: Current understandings in pathogenesis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:103-129. [PMID: 35382028 PMCID: PMC8922609 DOI: 10.1177/2397198319870667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential pathogenic role for autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis has captivated researchers for the past 40 years. This review answers the question whether there is yet sufficient knowledge to conclude that certain serum autoantibodies associated with systemic sclerosis contribute to its pathogenesis. Definitions for pathogenic, pathogenetic and functional autoantibodies are formulated, and the need to differentiate these autoantibodies from natural autoantibodies is emphasized. In addition, seven criteria for the identification of pathogenic autoantibodies are proposed. Experimental evidence is reviewed relevant to the classic systemic sclerosis antinuclear autoantibodies, anti-topoisomerase I and anticentromere, and to functional autoantibodies to endothelin 1 type A receptor, angiotensin II type 1 receptor, muscarinic receptor 3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4, estrogen receptor α, and CD22. Pathogenic evidence is also reviewed for anti-matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3, anti-fibrillin 1, anti-IFI16, anti-eIF2B, anti-ICAM-1, and anti-RuvBL1/RuvBL2 autoantibodies. For each autoantibody, objective evidence for a pathogenic role is scored qualitatively according to the seven pathogenicity criteria. It is concluded that anti-topoisomerase I is the single autoantibody specificity with the most evidence in favor of a pathogenic role in systemic sclerosis, followed by anticentromere. However, these autoantibodies have not been demonstrated yet to fulfill completely the seven proposed criteria for pathogenicity. Their contributory roles to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis remain possible but not yet conclusively demonstrated. With respect to functional autoantibodies and other autoantibodies, only a few criteria for pathogenicity are fulfilled. Their common presence in healthy and disease controls suggests that major subsets of these immunoglobulins are natural autoantibodies. While some of these autoantibodies may be pathogenetic in systemic sclerosis, establishing that they are truly pathogenic is a work in progress. Experimental data are difficult to interpret because high serum autoantibody levels may be due to polyclonal B-cell activation. Other limitations in experimental design are the use of total serum immunoglobulin G rather than affinity-purified autoantibodies, the confounding effect of other systemic sclerosis autoantibodies present in total immunoglobulin G and the lack of longitudinal studies to determine if autoantibody titers fluctuate with systemic sclerosis activity and severity. These intriguing new specificities expand the spectrum of autoantibodies observed in systemic sclerosis. Continuing elucidation of their potential mechanistic roles raises hope of a better understanding of systemic sclerosis pathogenesis leading to improved therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Senécal
- Scleroderma Research Chair, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Hoa
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Roger Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martial Koenig
- Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Internal Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Abstract
Discovered in 1987 as a potent endothelial cell-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), the predominant member of the endothelin peptide family, is now recognized as a multifunctional peptide with cytokine-like activity contributing to almost all aspects of physiology and cell function. More than 30 000 scientific articles on endothelin were published over the past 3 decades, leading to the development and subsequent regulatory approval of a new class of therapeutics-the endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). This article reviews the history of the discovery of endothelin and its role in genetics, physiology, and disease. Here, we summarize the main clinical trials using ERAs and discuss the role of endothelin in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, preecclampsia, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo syndrome, and heart failure. We also discuss how endothelins contributes to diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as cancer, immune disorders, and allograft rejection (which all involve ETA autoantibodies), and neurological diseases. The application of ERAs, dual endothelin receptor/angiotensin receptor antagonists (DARAs), selective ETB agonists, novel biologics such as receptor-targeting antibodies, or immunization against ETA receptors holds the potential to slow the progression or even reverse chronic noncommunicable diseases. Future clinical studies will show whether targeting endothelin receptors can prevent or reduce disability from disease and improve clinical outcome, quality of life, and survival in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- From Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
- Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS) and Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Japan (M.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.Y.)
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Philogene MC, Johnson T, Vaught AJ, Zakaria S, Fedarko N. Antibodies against Angiotensin II Type 1 and Endothelin A Receptors: Relevance and pathogenicity. Hum Immunol 2019; 80:561-567. [PMID: 31010696 PMCID: PMC8015780 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies against two G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and endothelin A receptor (ETAR) are among a growing number of autoantibodies that are found to be associated with allograft dysfunction. AT1R antibodies (AT1Rabs) and ETAR antibodies (ETARabs) have been shown to activate their target receptors and affect signaling pathways. Multiple single center reports have shown an association between presence of these antibodies and acute or chronic rejection and graft loss in kidney, heart, liver, lung and composite tissue transplantations. However, the characteristics of patients that are most likely to develop adverse outcomes, the phenotypes associated with graft damage solely due to these antibodies, and the antibody titer required to cause dysfunction are areas that remain controversial. This review compiles existing knowledge on the effect of antibodies against GPCRs in other diseases in order to bridge the gap in knowledge within transplantation biology. Future areas for research are highlighted and include the need for functional assays and treatment protocols for transplant patients who present with AT1Rabs and ETARabs. Understanding how antibodies that activate GPCRs influence transplantation outcome will have direct clinical implications for preemptive evaluation of transplant candidates as well as the post-transplant care of organ recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carmelle Philogene
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Tory Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Arthur Jason Vaught
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sammy Zakaria
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Neal Fedarko
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Abstract
Dementia in general and Alzheimer’s disease in particular is increasingly seen in association with autoimmunity being causatively or supportively involved in the pathogenesis. Besides classic autoantibodies (AABs) present in dementia patients, there is the new autoantibody class called functional autoantibodies, which is directed against G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs; GPCR-AABs) and are seen as pathogenic players. However, less is known about dementia patients’ burden with functional autoantibodies. We present here for the first time a study analyzing the prevalence of GPCR-AABs in patients with different dementia forms such as unclassified, Lewy body, vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia. We identified the GPCR-AABs’ specific targets on the receptors and introduced a neutralization strategy for GPCR-AABs. Patients with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia carried GPCR-AABs targeting the first loop of the alpha1- and the second loop of the beta2-adrenergic receptors (α1-AABs; β2-AABs). Nearly all vascular dementia patients also carry autoantibodies targeting the endothelin A receptor (ETA-AABs). The majority of patients with Lewy body dementia lacked any of the GPCR-AABs. In vitro, the function of the dementia-associated GPCR-AABs could be neutralized by the aptamer BC007. Due to the presence of GPCR-AABs in dementia patients mainly in those suffering from Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, the orchestra of immune players in these dementia forms, so far preferentially represented by the classic autoantibodies, should be supplemented by functional autoantibodies. As dementia-associated functional autoantibodies could be neutralized by the aptamer BC007, the first step was taken for a new in vivo treatment option in dementia patients who were positive for GPCR-AABs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harald Prüss
- Klinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
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