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Kwon EY, Cha GS, Jeong E, Lee JY, Kim SJ, Surh CD, Choi J. Pep19 drives epitope spreading in periodontitis and periodontitis-associated autoimmune diseases. J Periodontal Res 2015; 51:381-94. [DOI: 10.1111/jre.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E.-Y. Kwon
- Department of Periodontology; School of Dentistry; Pusan National University; Yangsan City Korea
| | - G. S. Cha
- Department of Periodontology; School of Dentistry; Pusan National University; Yangsan City Korea
| | - E. Jeong
- Department of Molecular Biology; School of Natural Sciences; Pusan National University; Pusan Korea
| | - J.-Y. Lee
- Department of Periodontology; School of Dentistry; Pusan National University; Yangsan City Korea
| | - S.-J. Kim
- Department of Periodontology; School of Dentistry; Pusan National University; Yangsan City Korea
| | - C. D. Surh
- Academy of Immunology and Microbiology; Institute for Basic Science; Pohang Korea
- Department of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology; Pohang University of Science and Technology; Pohang Korea
- Division of Developmental Immunology; La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology; La Jolla CA USA
| | - J. Choi
- Department of Periodontology; School of Dentistry; Pusan National University; Yangsan City Korea
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Losen M, Martinez-Martinez P, Molenaar PC, Lazaridis K, Tzartos S, Brenner T, Duan RS, Luo J, Lindstrom J, Kusner L. Standardization of the experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) model by immunization of rats with Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptors--Recommendations for methods and experimental designs. Exp Neurol 2015; 270:18-28. [PMID: 25796590 PMCID: PMC4466156 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is characterized by a chronic, fatigable weakness of voluntary muscles. The production of autoantibodies involves the dysregulation of T cells which provide the environment for the development of autoreactive B cells. The symptoms are caused by destruction of the postsynaptic membrane and degradation of the AChR by IgG autoantibodies, predominantly of the G1 and G3 subclasses. Active immunization of animals with AChR from mammalian muscles, AChR from Torpedo or Electrophorus electric organs, and recombinant or synthetic AChR fragments generates a chronic model of MG, termed experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). This model covers cellular mechanisms involved in the immune response against the AChR, e.g. antigen presentation, T cell-help and regulation, B cell selection and differentiation into plasma cells. Our aim is to define standard operation procedures and recommendations for the rat EAMG model using purified AChR from the Torpedo californica electric organ, in order to facilitate more rapid translation of preclinical proof of concept or efficacy studies into clinical trials and, ultimately, clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Losen
- Division Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Division Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Molenaar
- Division Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Socrates Tzartos
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Talma Brenner
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rui-Sheng Duan
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, PR China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jon Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linda Kusner
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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3
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Zhang L, Liu J, Wang H, Zhao C, Lu J, Xue J, Gu Y, Hao C, Lin S, Lv C. Double filtration plasmapheresis benefits myasthenia gravis patients through an immunomodulatory action. J Clin Neurosci 2014; 21:1570-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2013.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Cohen-Kaminsky S, Jambou F. Prospects for a T-cell receptor vaccination against myasthenia gravis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 4:473-92. [PMID: 16117705 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.4.4.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR) vaccination has been proposed as a specific therapy against autoimmune diseases. It is already used in clinical trials, which are supported by pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Current vaccine developments are focusing on enhancement of immunogenicity as well as selecting the best route of immunization and adjuvant to favor the therapeutic effect. In the meantime, academic laboratories are tackling the regulatory mechanisms involved in the beneficial effect of the vaccines to further understand how to control the therapeutic tool. Indeed, several examples in experimental models of autoimmune diseases indicate that any specific therapy may rely on a delicate balance between the pathogenic and regulatory mechanisms. This review presents a critical analysis of the potential of such therapy in myasthenia gravis, a prototype antibody-mediated disease. Indeed, a specific pathogenic T-cell target population and a TCR-specific regulatory mechanism mediated by anti-TCR antibodies and involved in protection from the disease have recently been identified in a patient subgroup. The presence of spontaneous anti-TCR antibodies directed against the pathogenic T-cells that may be boosted by a TCR vaccine provides a rationale for such therapy in myasthenia gravis. The development of this vaccine may well benefit from experience gained in the other autoimmune diseases in which clinical trials are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Cohen-Kaminsky
- UMR 8078 Remodelage Tissulaire et Fonctionnel: Signalisation et Physiopathologie, Institut Paris Sud Cytokines, Université Paris-Sud, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France.
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5
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Hardison MT, Blalock JE. Molecular recognition theory and sense-antisense interaction: therapeutic applications in autoimmunity. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2012. [PMID: 22202003 DOI: 10.2741/508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Perhaps behind only the understanding of the genetic code in importance is the comprehension of protein sequence and structure in its effect on modern scientific investigation. How proteins are structured and interact dictates a considerable amount of the body's processes in maintaining homeostasis. Unfortunately, in diseases of autoimmunity, these processes are directed against the body itself and most of the current clinical responses are severely lacking. This review addresses current therapeutics involved in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases and details potential future therapeutics designed with a more targeted approach. Detailed in this manuscript is the concept of utilizing peptides possessing an inverse hydropathy to the immunogenic region of proteins to generate anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) and anti-clonotypic T cell receptor (TCR) antibodies (Abs). Theoretically, the anti-Id Abs cross react with Id Abs and negate the powerful machinery of the adaptive immune response with little to no side effects. A series of studies by a number of groups have shown this to be an exciting and intriguing concept that will likely play a role in the future treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Thomas Hardison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 1918 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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6
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Gibly RF, Graham JG, Luo X, Lowe WL, Hering BJ, Shea LD. Advancing islet transplantation: from engraftment to the immune response. Diabetologia 2011; 54:2494-505. [PMID: 21830149 PMCID: PMC3193607 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The promise and progress of islet transplantation for treating type 1 diabetes has been challenged by obstacles to patient accessibility and long-term graft function that may be overcome by integrating emerging technologies in biomaterials, drug delivery and immunomodulation. The hepatic microenvironment and traditional systemic immunosuppression stress the vulnerable islets and contribute to the limited success of transplantation. Locally delivering extracellular matrix proteins and trophic factors can enhance transplantation at extrahepatic sites by promoting islet engraftment, revascularisation and long-term function while avoiding unintended systemic effects. Cell- and cytokine-based therapies for immune cell recruitment and reprogramming can inhibit local and systemic immune system activation that normally attacks transplanted islets. Combined with antigen-specific immunotherapies, states of operational tolerance may be achievable, reducing or eliminating the long-term pharmaceutical burden. Integration of these technologies to enhance engraftment and combat rejection may help to advance the therapeutic efficacy and availability of islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. F. Gibly
- Institute of Bionanotechnology in Medicine (IBNAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Integrated Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J. G. Graham
- Institute of Bionanotechnology in Medicine (IBNAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Integrated Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - X. Luo
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - W. L. Lowe
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - B. J. Hering
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - L. D. Shea
- Institute of Bionanotechnology in Medicine (IBNAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd/E136, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Souroujon MC, Brenner T, Fuchs S. Development of novel therapies for MG: Studies in animal models. Autoimmunity 2010; 43:446-60. [DOI: 10.3109/08916930903518081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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8
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Li X, Xiao BG, Xi JY, Lu CZ, Lu JH. Decrease of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells and elevation of CD19+BAFF-R+ B cells and soluble ICAM-1 in myasthenia gravis. Clin Immunol 2008; 126:180-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2007] [Revised: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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9
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Liu C, Hu F. Investigation on the mechanism of exacerbation of myasthenia gravis by aminoglycoside antibiotics in mouse model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 25:294-6. [PMID: 16201276 DOI: 10.1007/bf02828147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the underlying mechanism of the exacerbation of myasthenia gravis by aminoglycoside antibiotics. C57/BL6 mice were immunized with acetylcholine receptor (AChR), extracted from electric organ of Narcine timilei according to Xu Haopeng's methods, in complete Fruends adjuvant (CFA) to establish experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). EAMG mice were divided randomly into 5 groups: MG group, NS group and three antibiotics groups. The clinical symptom scores of mice were evaluated on d7 after the last immunization and d14 of antibiotics treatment. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) was performed and the levels of anti-AChR antibody (AChR-Ab) were tested at the same time. The mean clinical symptom grades of gentamycin group (1.312, 2.067), amikacin group (1.111, 1.889) and etimicin group (1.263, 1.632) were significantly higher than those of MG group (1.000, 1.200) (P<0.05). The positive rates of RNS of three antibiotics groups were 69.23%, 58.82% and 63.16% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of MG group and NS group (40.00%, 40.00%, P<0.05). The AChR-Ab level in serum and the expression of AChR on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of mice in three antibiotics groups were also higher than those of MG group. Our results indicated that aminoglycoside antibiotics could aggravate the symptom of myasthenia gravis. The exacerbation of myasthenia gravis by these antibiotics probably involves competitively restraining the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic membrane, impairing the depolarization of postsynaptic membrane, depressing the irritability of myocyte membrane around the end-plate membrane and consequently leading to the blockade of neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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10
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Galin FS, Chrisman CL, Cook JR, Xu L, Jackson PL, Noerager BD, Weathington NM, Blalock JE. Possible therapeutic vaccines for canine myasthenia gravis: implications for the human disease and associated fatigue. Brain Behav Immun 2007; 21:323-31. [PMID: 17113748 PMCID: PMC1857319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2006.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2006] [Revised: 10/03/2006] [Accepted: 10/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is caused by T cell-dependent antibodies reactive with acetylcholine receptors. These autoreactive antibodies cause muscle weakness by interfering with neuromuscular transmission via removal of acetylcholine receptors from the neuromuscular junction as well as changing the architecture of the junction itself. Consequently, muscle fatigue is a debilitating aspect of MG often leading to more general feelings of tiredness not directly due to muscle weakness. We have previously described two peptides that are mimetics of antigen receptors on certain autoreactive T and B cells that are involved in MG. When used as vaccines in the rat model of MG, these peptides prevented and ameliorated disease and muscle fatigue by blunting acetylcholine receptor antibody responses. Such disease protection resulted from vaccine-induced anergizing antibodies against acetylcholine receptor-specific T and B cell antigen receptors. The present study prospectively evaluated the efficacy of these two vaccines in spontaneous acquired MG in pet dogs. When compared to historical controls that were prospectively studied, the vaccines increased the proportion of remitted dogs from 17 to 75%. In comparison to retrospectively studied historical controls that spontaneously remitted from MG, the vaccines accelerated the rate of decline in acetylcholine receptor antibody titers which resulted in a 3-fold decrease in the mean time to remission. These results are suggestive of a new type of targeted therapy that can drive autoimmune responses into long-term remission and possibly afford a means of determining whether correction of a physical cause of muscle weakness also corrects the perception of chronic, generalized fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Shawn Galin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., MCLM 896, Birmingham, AL 35294-0005, USA
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11
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Tackenberg B, Kruth J, Bartholomaeus JE, Schlegel K, Oertel WH, Willcox N, Hemmer B, Sommer N. Clonal expansions of CD4+ B helper T cells in autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Eur J Immunol 2007; 37:849-63. [PMID: 17323412 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200636449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The weakness in myasthenia gravis (MG) is mediated by T helper cell (Th)-dependent autoantibodies against neuromuscular epitopes. So far, analyzing Th phenotypes or antigen specificities has yielded very few clues to pathogenesis. Here we adopt an alternative antigen-independent approach, analyzing T cell receptor (TCR) Vbeta usage/expansions in blood from 118 MG patients. We found major expansions (>or= five standard deviations above the mean of 118 healthy, individually age- and sex-matched controls) in diverse Vbeta in 21 patients (17.6%, p<0.001) among CD4+ T cells, and in 45 patients (38.1%, p<0.001) among CD8+ T cells. In informative probands, the expanded CD4+ cells consistently showed a Th cell phenotype (CD57+CXCR5+) and expressed Th1 cytokines. Furthermore, their expression of markers for activation, lymphocyte trafficking and B cell-activating ability persisted for >or=3 years. Surprisingly, we noted a selective decline in the expansions/their CD57 positivity while the probands' MG was improving. CDR3 spectratyping suggested mono- or oligoclonal origins, which were confirmed by the prevalent TCR Vbeta CDR3 sequences of Th cells cloned from repeat bleeds. Thus, our data provide evidence for persistent clonally expanded CD4+ B helper T cell populations in the blood of MG patients. These unexpected CD4+ expansions might hold valuable clues to MG immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Tackenberg
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Group, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
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12
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Fostieri E, Kostelidou K, Poulas K, Tzartos SJ. Recent advances in the understanding and therapy of myasthenia gravis. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.2217/14796708.1.6.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T-cell dependent autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies, which mainly target muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) and cause loss of functional AChRs in the neuromuscular junction. Both MG and its major autoantigen are studied extensively, yet the etiology of the disease remains unclear, although it is known to be associated with the thymus. A genetic predisposition, combined with several unidentified environmental stimuli, likely creates a favorable milieu in which the disease can appear. Current research focusses on elucidating the cellular and molecular pathways of immune dysregulation, which underly MG outburst and progression. Considerable progress has been made concerning the involvement of the thymus, the identification of impaired mechanisms of immune control and the B–T-cell interaction in MG pathogenesis, while the role of chemokines arises as an intriguing new puzzle. Recent findings fueled the development of novel therapeutic approaches with some encouraging, although preliminary, results. This review summarizes recent achievements in the fields of both basic research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrosini Fostieri
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Department of Biochemistry, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Kostelidou
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Department of Biochemistry, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Socrates J Tzartos
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Department of Biochemistry, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece and, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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13
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Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) interfering with the neuromuscular transmission. Experimental autoimmune MG serves as an excellent animal model to study possible therapeutic modalities for MG. This review will focus on the different ways to turn off the autoimmune response to AChR, which results in suppression of myasthenia. This paper will describe the use of fragments or peptides derived from the AChR, antigen-presenting cells and anti-T cell receptor antibodies, and will discuss the underlying mechanisms of action. Finally, the authors propose new promising therapeutic prospects, including treatment based on the modulation of regulatory T cells, which have recently been found to be functionally defective in MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Berrih-Aknin
- CNRS UMR 8078, Universite Paris Sud, IPSC Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France Tel: +33 1 45 37 15 51; Fax: +33 1 46 30 45 64; E-mail:
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Immunology, Rehovot 76100, Israel Tel: +972 8 934 2618; Fax: +972 8 934 4141; E-mail:
| | - Sara Fuchs
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Immunology, Rehovot 76100, Israel Tel: +972 8 934 2618; Fax: +972 8 934 4141; E-mail:
| | - Miriam C Souroujon
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Immunology, Rehovot 76100, Israel Tel: +972 8 934 2618; Fax: +972 8 934 4141; E-mail:
- The Open University of Israel, Raanana 43104, Israel Tel: +972 9 778 1758; E-mail:
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14
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Papamattheou MG, Routsias JG, Karagouni EE, Sakarellos C, Sakarellos-Daitsiotis M, Moutsopoulos HM, Tzioufas AG, Dotsika EN. T cell help is required to induce idiotypic-anti-idiotypic autoantibody network after immunization with complementary epitope 289-308aa of La/SSB autoantigen in non-autoimmune mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2004; 135:416-26. [PMID: 15008973 PMCID: PMC1808979 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2004.02356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases have been of limited success. Preventive vaccines could be developed on the basis to abrogate unwanted immune responses to defined autodeterminants. In this study it is shown that immunization of BALB/c mice with two linear T and B cell epitopes of the human La/SSB autoantigen (spanning the regions 289-308aa and 349-364aa) and their complementary forms specified by the complementary mRNA, results in characteristic B and T cell responses. Mice immunized with the 289-308aa epitope or its complementary peptide elicited specific antibodies against both epitopes. In contrast, mice immunized with the 349-364aa epitope or its complementary peptide mounted antibody titres against the immunizing peptide only. According to these data, the 289-308aa epitope and its complementary form were capable to generate an idiotypic-anti-idiotypic response, which were cross-regulated. Peptide-specific T cell proliferation and cytokine production in vitro revealed the induction of a two-stage T helper response (Th1-->Th2 type) after immunization with either the epitope 289-308 or its complementary peptide. IgG1 was the predominant subclass after immunization with the two forms of epitopes 289-308 and 349-364, while a response of the IgG2b > IgG2a was obtained after the immunization with the complementary form of 349-364 epitope reflecting the TH2/TH1 polarization, respectively. Our data suggest that the complementary peptides of two immunodominant epitopes of human LaSSB can mimic the autoantibodies against these epitopes and establish an active idiotypic-anti-idiotypic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Papamattheou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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Vanderlugt CL, Miller SD. Epitope spreading in immune-mediated diseases: implications for immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2002; 2:85-95. [PMID: 11910899 DOI: 10.1038/nri724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 621] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence continues to accumulate supporting the hypothesis that tissue damage during an immune response can lead to the priming of self-reactive T and/or B lymphocytes, regardless of the specificity of the initial insult. This review will focus primarily on epitope spreading at the T-cell level. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of epitope spreading in various chronic immune-mediated human diseases and their animal models is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases and to the ultimate goal of designing antigen-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Vanderlugt
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Interdepartmental Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Abstract
Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) are reviewed. Increased awareness about the need for more uniform methods of reporting treatment trials for MG has prompted systematic review of the literature and inspired an effort to develop better classifications and disease-specific outcome measures. New antibodies have been discovered in patients with seronegative MG, possibly defining an immunologically distinct form of the disease. A new immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil, may be an additional and safe option in the treatment of MG. Other work supports the possibility of developing a vaccine against MG suitable for trial in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ciafaloni
- Duke University Medical Center, 932 Morreene Road, Room 230, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
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