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Suliman BA. Potential clinical implications of molecular mimicry-induced autoimmunity. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1178. [PMID: 38415936 PMCID: PMC10832321 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1178] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular mimicry is hypothesized to be a mechanism by which autoimmune diseases are triggered. It refers to sequence or structural homology between foreign antigens and self-antigens, which can activate cross-reactive lymphocytes that attack host tissues. Elucidating the role of molecular mimicry in human autoimmunity could have important clinical implications. OBJECTIVE To review evidence for the role of molecular mimicry in major autoimmune diseases and discuss potential clinical implications. METHODS Comprehensive literature review of clinical trials, observational studies, animal models, and immunology studies on molecular mimicry in multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune myocarditis, and primary biliary cirrhosis published from 2000-2023. RESULTS Substantial indirect evidence supports molecular mimicry as a contributor to loss of self-tolerance in several autoimmune conditions. Proposed microbial triggers include Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, Campylobacter jejuni, and bacterial commensals. Key mechanisms involve cross-reactive T cells and autoantibodies induced by epitope homology between microbial and self-antigens. Perpetuation of autoimmunity involves epitope spreading, inflammatory mediators, and genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS Molecular mimicry plausibly explains initial stages of autoimmune pathogenesis induced by infection or microbiota disturbances. Understanding mimicry antigens and pathways could enable improved prediction, monitoring, and antigen-specific immunotherapy for autoimmune disorders. However, definitive proof of causation in humans remains limited. Further research should focus on establishing clinical evidence and utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar A Suliman
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesTaibah UniversityMadinahSaudi Arabia
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2
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Pan Z, Yang Q, Zhang X, Xu X, Sun Y, Zhou F, Wen L. TRIM5 Promotes Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Through CD4(+) T Cells and Macrophage. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:3567-3580. [PMID: 37614552 PMCID: PMC10443694 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s416493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of multiple organs and the production of antinuclear antibodies. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of SLE. Patients and Methods We retrieved genome-wide gene expression levels from five public datasets with relatively large sample sizes from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and we compared the expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs). The expression of seven target genes in PBMCs from 25 cases and 3 HCs was further validated by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT‒qPCR). Flow cytometry was used for verifying the proportion of naive CD4(+) T cells and M2 macrophages in PBMCs from 5 cases and 4 HCs. Results We found 14 genes (TRIM5, FAM8A1, SHFL, LHFPL2, PARP14, IFIT5, PARP12, DDX60, IRF7, IF144, OAS1, OAS3, RHBDF2, and RSAD2) that were differentially expressed among all five datasets. The heterogeneity test under the fixed effect model showed no obvious heterogeneity of TRIM5, FAM8A1, and SHFL across different populations. TRIM5 was positively correlated with the remaining 13 genes. By separating patient samples into TRIM5-high and TRIM5-low groups, we found that up-regulated genes in the TRIM5-high group were mainly enriched in virus-related pathways. Immune cell proportion analysis and flow cytometry revealed that naive CD4(+) T cells were significantly decreased while M2 macrophages were increased in the SLE group. TRIM5 expression levels were negatively correlated with naive CD4(+) T cells but positively correlated with M2 macrophages. Conclusion Our data indicated that TRIM5 might be a key factor that modulates SLE etiology, possibly through naive CD4(+) T cells and M2 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaobing Pan
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaoshan Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Sun
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fusheng Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Leilei Wen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
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Martins YC, Jurberg AD, Daniel-Ribeiro CT. Visiting Molecular Mimicry Once More: Pathogenicity, Virulence, and Autoimmunity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1472. [PMID: 37374974 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of molecular mimicry describes situations in which antigen sharing between parasites and hosts could benefit pathogen evasion from host immune responses. However, antigen sharing can generate host responses to parasite-derived self-like peptides, triggering autoimmunity. Since its conception, molecular mimicry and the consequent potential cross-reactivity following infections have been repeatedly described in humans, raising increasing interest among immunologists. Here, we reviewed this concept focusing on the challenge of maintaining host immune tolerance to self-components in parasitic diseases. We focused on the studies that used genomics and bioinformatics to estimate the extent of antigen sharing between proteomes of different organisms. In addition, we comparatively analyzed human and murine proteomes for peptide sharing with proteomes of pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. We conclude that, although the amount of antigenic sharing between hosts and both pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites and bacteria is massive, the degree of this antigen sharing is not related to pathogenicity or virulence. In addition, because the development of autoimmunity in response to infections by microorganisms endowed with cross-reacting antigens is rare, we conclude that molecular mimicry by itself is not a sufficient factor to disrupt intact self-tolerance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Chaves Martins
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Arnon Dias Jurberg
- Instituto de Educação Médica, Campus Vista Carioca, Universidade Estácio de Sá, Rio de Janeiro 20071-004, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Animais Transgênicos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Malária and Centro de Pesquisa, Diagnóstico e Treinamento em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
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4
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Schönrich G, Abdelaziz MO, Raftery MJ. Epstein-Barr virus, interleukin-10 and multiple sclerosis: A ménage à trois. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1028972. [PMID: 36275700 PMCID: PMC9585213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1028972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation and demyelination of nerve cells. There is strong evidence that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human herpesvirus infecting B cells, greatly increases the risk of subsequent MS. Intriguingly, EBV not only induces human interleukin-10 but also encodes a homologue of this molecule, which is a key anti-inflammatory cytokine of the immune system. Although EBV-encoded IL-10 (ebvIL-10) has a high amino acid identity with its cellular counterpart (cIL-10), it shows more restricted and partially weaker functionality. We propose that both EBV-induced cIL-10 and ebvIL-10 act in a temporally and functionally coordinated manner helping the pathogen to establish latency in B cells and, at the same time, to balance the function of antiviral T cells. As a result, the EBV load persisting in the immune system is kept at a constant but individually different level (set point). During this immunological tug of war between virus and host, however, MS can be induced as collateral damage if the set point is too high. Here, we discuss a possible role of ebvIL-10 and EBV-induced cIL-10 in EBV-driven pathogenesis of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Schönrich
- Institute of Virology, Charité– Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Günther Schönrich,
| | - Mohammed O. Abdelaziz
- Institute of Virology, Charité– Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J. Raftery
- Institute of Virology, Charité– Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology (CCM), Charité– Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Manrubia S, Cuesta JA, Aguirre J, Ahnert SE, Altenberg L, Cano AV, Catalán P, Diaz-Uriarte R, Elena SF, García-Martín JA, Hogeweg P, Khatri BS, Krug J, Louis AA, Martin NS, Payne JL, Tarnowski MJ, Weiß M. The long and winding road to understanding organismal construction. Phys Life Rev 2022; 42:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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6
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Manrubia S. The simple emergence of complex molecular function. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2022; 380:20200422. [PMID: 35599566 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
At odds with a traditional view of molecular evolution that seeks a descent-with-modification relationship between functional sequences, new functions can emerge de novo with relative ease. At early times of molecular evolution, random polymers could have sufficed for the appearance of incipient chemical activity, while the cellular environment harbours a myriad of proto-functional molecules. The emergence of function is facilitated by several mechanisms intrinsic to molecular organization, such as redundant mapping of sequences into structures, phenotypic plasticity, modularity or cooperative associations between genomic sequences. It is the availability of niches in the molecular ecology that filters new potentially functional proposals. New phenotypes and subsequent levels of molecular complexity could be attained through combinatorial explorations of currently available molecular variants. Natural selection does the rest. This article is part of the theme issue 'Emergent phenomena in complex physical and socio-technical systems: from cells to societies'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Manrubia
- Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos (GISC), Madrid, Spain
- Systems Biology Department, National Biotechnology Centre (CSIC), c/Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Man S, Redman JE, Cross DL, Cole DK, Can I, Davies B, Hashimdeen SS, Reid R, Llewellyn-Lacey S, Miners KL, Ladell K, Lissina A, Brown PE, Wooldridge L, Price DA, Rizkallah PJ. Synthetic Peptides with Inadvertent Chemical Modifications Can Activate Potentially Autoreactive T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 207:1009-1017. [PMID: 34321228 PMCID: PMC7615501 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The human CD8+ T cell clone 6C5 has previously been shown to recognize the tert-butyl-modified Bax161-170 peptide LLSY(3-tBu)FGTPT presented by HLA-A*02:01. This nonnatural epitope was likely created as a by-product of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl protecting group peptide synthesis and bound poorly to HLA-A*02:01. In this study, we used a systematic approach to identify and characterize natural ligands for the 6C5 TCR. Functional analyses revealed that 6C5 T cells only recognized the LLSYFGTPT peptide when tBu was added to the tyrosine residue and did not recognize the LLSYFGTPT peptide modified with larger (di-tBu) or smaller chemical groups (Me). Combinatorial peptide library screening further showed that 6C5 T cells recognized a series of self-derived peptides with dissimilar amino acid sequences to LLSY(3-tBu)FGTPT. Structural studies of LLSY(3-tBu)FGTPT and two other activating nonamers (IIGWMWIPV and LLGWVFAQV) in complex with HLA-A*02:01 demonstrated similar overall peptide conformations and highlighted the importance of the position (P) 4 residue for T cell recognition, particularly the capacity of the bulky amino acid tryptophan to substitute for the tBu-modified tyrosine residue in conjunction with other changes at P5 and P6. Collectively, these results indicated that chemical modifications directly altered the immunogenicity of a synthetic peptide via molecular mimicry, leading to the inadvertent activation of a T cell clone with unexpected and potentially autoreactive specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Man
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom;
| | - James E Redman
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah L Cross
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David K Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilona Can
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bethan Davies
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Shaikh Shimaz Hashimdeen
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Reiss Reid
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Llewellyn-Lacey
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly L Miners
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Ladell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anya Lissina
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E Brown
- The Zeeman Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and
| | - Linda Wooldridge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David A Price
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre J Rizkallah
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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8
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Gu QH, Huynh M, Shi Y, Jia XY, Luo JJ, Jiang TJ, Cui Z, Ooi JD, Kitching AR, Zhao MH. Experimental Antiglomerular Basement Membrane GN Induced by a Peptide from Actinomyces. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 31:1282-1295. [PMID: 32444356 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019060619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is associated with HLA-DRB1*1501 (the major predisposing genetic factor in the disease), with α3127-148 as a nephritogenic T and B cell epitope. Although the cause of disease remains unclear, the association of infections with anti-GBM disease has been long suspected. METHODS To investigate whether microbes might activate autoreactive T and B lymphocytes via molecular mimicry in anti-GBM disease, we used bioinformatic tools, including BLAST, SYFPEITHI, and ABCpred, for peptide searching and epitope prediction. We used sera from patients with anti-GBM disease to assess peptides recognized by antibodies, and immunized WKY rats and a humanized mouse model (HLA-DR15 transgenic mice) with each of the peptide candidates to assess pathogenicity. RESULTS On the basis of the critical motif, the bioinformatic approach identified 36 microbial peptides that mimic human α3127-148. Circulating antibodies in sera from patients with anti-GBM recognized nine of them. One peptide, B7, derived from Actinomyces species, induced proteinuria, linear IgG deposition on the GBM, and crescent formation when injected into WKY rats. The antibodies to B7 also targeted human and rat α3127-148. B7 induced T cell activation from human α3127-148-immunized rats. T cell responses to B7 were detected in rats immunized by Actinomyces lysate proteins or recombinant proteins. We confirmed B7's pathogenicity in HLA-DR15 transgenic mice that developed kidney injury similar to that observed in α3135-145-immunized mice. CONCLUSIONS Sera from patients with anti-GBM disease recognized microbial peptides identified through a bioinformatic approach, and a peptide from Actinomyces induced experimental anti-GBM GN by T and B cell crossreactivity. These studies demonstrate that anti-GBM disease may be initiated by immunization with a microbial peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Hua Gu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of CKD Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, PR China
| | - Megan Huynh
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yue Shi
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of CKD Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yu Jia
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of CKD Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jie-Jian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tai-Jiao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhao Cui
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China .,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of CKD Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, PR China
| | - Joshua D Ooi
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Richard Kitching
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Nephrology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ming-Hui Zhao
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of CKD Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, PR China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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Torretta E, Barbacini P, Al-Daghri NM, Gelfi C. Sphingolipids in Obesity and Correlated Co-Morbidities: The Contribution of Gender, Age and Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235901. [PMID: 31771303 PMCID: PMC6929069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews our present knowledge on the contribution of ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), dihydroceramide (DhCer) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in obesity and related co-morbidities. Specifically, in this paper, we address the role of acyl chain composition in bodily fluids for monitoring obesity in males and females, in aging persons and in situations of environmental hypoxia adaptation. After a brief introduction on sphingolipid synthesis and compartmentalization, the node of detection methods has been critically revised as the node of the use of animal models. The latter do not recapitulate the human condition, making it difficult to compare levels of sphingolipids found in animal tissues and human bodily fluids, and thus, to find definitive conclusions. In human subjects, the search for putative biomarkers has to be performed on easily accessible material, such as serum. The serum “sphingolipidome” profile indicates that attention should be focused on specific acyl chains associated with obesity, per se, since total Cer and SM levels coupled with dyslipidemia and vitamin D deficiency can be confounding factors. Furthermore, exposure to hypoxia indicates a relationship between dyslipidemia, obesity, oxygen level and aerobic/anaerobic metabolism, thus, opening new research avenues in the role of sphingolipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Torretta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Pietro Barbacini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.T.); (P.B.)
- Ph.D. school in Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Nasser M. Al-Daghri
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department,College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.T.); (P.B.)
- I.R.C.C.S Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-025-033-0475
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10
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Molecular mimicry, genetic homology, and gene sharing proteomic "molecular fingerprints" using an EBV (Epstein-Barr virus)-derived microarray as a potential diagnostic method in autoimmune disease. Immunol Res 2019; 66:686-695. [PMID: 30552620 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-018-9045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) and other human DNA viruses are associated with autoimmune syndromes in epidemiologic studies. In this work, immunoglobulin G response to EBV-encoded proteins which share regions with human immune response proteins from the human host including ZEBRA (BZLF-1 encoded protein), BALF-2 recombinase expressed primarily during the viral lytic replication cycle, and EBNA-1 (Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen) expressed during the viral latency cycle respectively were characterized using a laser-printed micro-array ( PEPperprint.com ). IgG response to conserved "A/T hooks" in EBV-encoded proteins such as EBNA-1 and the BALF-2 recombinase related to host DNA-binding proteins including RAG-1 recombinase and histones, and EBV-encoded virokines such as the IL-10 homologue BCRF-1 suggest further directions for clinical research. The author suggests that proteomic "molecular fingerprints" of the immune response to viral proteins shared with human immune response genes are potentially useful in early diagnosis and monitoring of autoantibody production and response to therapy in EBV-related autoimmune syndromes.
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11
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Magnusson S, Kjartansson H, Baldursson BT, Astradsdottir K, Ågren MS, Hilmarsson H, Sigurjonsson GF. Acellular Fish Skin Grafts and Pig Urinary Bladder Matrix Assessed in the Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2018; 17:275-281. [PMID: 30334466 DOI: 10.1177/1534734618802899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
It is vital that cellular- and tissue-based products (CTPs) used for wound treatment do not provoke autoimmunity. In this study, the immunogenic response to extracts of 2 CTPs of piscine and porcine origin was assessed in the collagen-induced arthritis model. Male DBA/1J mice were divided into 4 groups, each composed of 7 to 9 animals. Each animal was injected with one of following to assess their immune responses: (1) bovine type II collagen (100 µg) in Freund's adjuvant, (2) extract of piscine skin (100 µg) in Freund's adjuvant, (3) extract of porcine urinary bladder matrix (100 µg) in Freund's adjuvant, or (4) Freund's adjuvant alone (control) at the beginning of the experiment and 3 weeks later. Clinical signs of arthritis were assessed from week 5 onwards, and anti-type II and anti-type I collagen antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels were measured before injections and 8 weeks after exposure using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Only the mice exposed to bovine type II collagen developed clinical arthritis accompanied by very high anti-type II collagen IgG serum levels. Anti-type II collagen IgG serum levels were also detected in the porcine group but were undetectable in the piscine skin and control groups after 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in anti-type I collagen IgG serum levels among the groups. The results showed that piscine skin did not provoke systemic autoimmunity against type II collagens in DBA/1J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skuli Magnusson
- 1 Kerecis, Reykjavik, Iceland.,2 University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Hilmar Kjartansson
- 1 Kerecis, Reykjavik, Iceland.,3 Landspitali, University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Baldur Tumi Baldursson
- 1 Kerecis, Reykjavik, Iceland.,3 Landspitali, University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Magnus S Ågren
- 5 Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lyon MS, Wosiski-Kuhn M, Gillespie R, Caress J, Milligan C. Inflammation, Immunity, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: I. Etiology and pathology. Muscle Nerve 2018; 59:10-22. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.26289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miles S. Lyon
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| | - Marlena Wosiski-Kuhn
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| | - Rachel Gillespie
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
| | - James Caress
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine; Winston-Salem North Carolina USA
| | - Carol Milligan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard; Winston-Salem North Carolina 27157 USA
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Kridin K, Zelber-Sagi S, Comaneshter D, Cohen AD. Is there an association between pemphigus and hepatitis viruses? A population-based large-scale study. Immunol Res 2018; 65:1083-1088. [PMID: 28905194 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The association between pemphigus and hepatitis viruses has not been investigated sufficiently and remains unclear. Our objective was to assess the association between pemphigus and chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections using a large-scale real-life computerized database. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services. The proportion of chronic HBV and HCV infections was compared between patients diagnosed with pemphigus and age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched controls. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square and Student's t test, and multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model. A total of 1985 pemphigus patients and 9874 controls were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of HBV chronic infection in patients with pemphigus was significantly higher than in control subjects (1.2 vs. 0.6%, respectively, p = 0.008). The prevalence rate of HCV carrier state was comparable between pemphigus patients and control subjects (1.1 vs. 1.0, respectively, p = 0.732). A multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between pemphigus and HBV with a multivariate odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-3.90], whereas no association between pemphigus and HCV was identified (OR 1.1, 95% CI, 0.7-1.7). In conclusion, patients with pemphigus have a greater proportion of chronic HBV but not HCV infection relative to matched controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalaf Kridin
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, POB 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shira Zelber-Sagi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Doron Comaneshter
- Department of Quality Measurements and Research, Chief Physician's Office, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arnon D Cohen
- Department of Quality Measurements and Research, Chief Physician's Office, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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14
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Dreyfus DH. Gene sharing between Epstein–Barr virus and human immune response genes. Immunol Res 2016; 65:37-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-016-8814-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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15
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Arrigo T, Cutroneo PM, Vaccaro M, Impollonia D, Squadrito V, Mecchio A, Salpietro C, Altavilla D. Lateralized exanthem mimicking figurate inflammatory dermatosis of infancy after methimazole therapy. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2016; 29:707-711. [PMID: 27272160 DOI: 10.1177/0394632016652412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We reported a case of an 11-year-old girl admitted to our hospital for goiter, tachycardia, sweating, and visible and palpable thyroid. Thyroid function tests revealed a low thyrotropin level (<0.004 mIU/L) and elevated free thyroxine level (3.4 ng/ dL) diagnosed with Graves' disease and treated with methimazole. This anti-thyroid drug is recommended as first-line treatment in children with Graves' disease because it produces minor adverse effects with respect to propylthiouracil. She developed a lateralized exanthem mimicking figurate inflammatory dermatosis of infancy after methimazole therapy. The symptoms resolved after discontinuation of methimazole and treatment with an antihistamine and a corticosteroid. Furthermore, the treatment was changed to propylthiouracil without any adverse effects. According to current literature this is the first case of cutaneous figurate erythema related to methimazole, different from other well-known reactions such as skin eruption or urticaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Arrigo
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Evolutive Age, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - P M Cutroneo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - D Impollonia
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Evolutive Age, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - V Squadrito
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Evolutive Age, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Mecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - C Salpietro
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Evolutive Age, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - D Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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16
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Kell DB, Kenny LC. A Dormant Microbial Component in the Development of Preeclampsia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2016; 3:60. [PMID: 27965958 PMCID: PMC5126693 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2016.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex, multisystem disorder that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy. Four main classes of dysregulation accompany PE and are widely considered to contribute to its severity. These are abnormal trophoblast invasion of the placenta, anti-angiogenic responses, oxidative stress, and inflammation. What is lacking, however, is an explanation of how these themselves are caused. We here develop the unifying idea, and the considerable evidence for it, that the originating cause of PE (and of the four classes of dysregulation) is, in fact, microbial infection, that most such microbes are dormant and hence resist detection by conventional (replication-dependent) microbiology, and that by occasional resuscitation and growth it is they that are responsible for all the observable sequelae, including the continuing, chronic inflammation. In particular, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, are well known as highly inflammagenic and stimulate an innate (and possibly trained) immune response that exacerbates the inflammation further. The known need of microbes for free iron can explain the iron dysregulation that accompanies PE. We describe the main routes of infection (gut, oral, and urinary tract infection) and the regularly observed presence of microbes in placental and other tissues in PE. Every known proteomic biomarker of "preeclampsia" that we assessed has, in fact, also been shown to be raised in response to infection. An infectious component to PE fulfills the Bradford Hill criteria for ascribing a disease to an environmental cause and suggests a number of treatments, some of which have, in fact, been shown to be successful. PE was classically referred to as endotoxemia or toxemia of pregnancy, and it is ironic that it seems that LPS and other microbial endotoxins really are involved. Overall, the recognition of an infectious component in the etiology of PE mirrors that for ulcers and other diseases that were previously considered to lack one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Kell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- *Correspondence: Douglas B. Kell,
| | - Louise C. Kenny
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Kim MJ, Jeong EK, Kwon EY, Joo JY, Lee JY, Choi J. Human CD103(+) dendritic cells promote the differentiation of Porphyromonas gingivalis heat shock protein peptide-specific regulatory T cells. J Periodontal Implant Sci 2014; 44:235-41. [PMID: 25368812 PMCID: PMC4216400 DOI: 10.5051/jpis.2014.44.5.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Jin Kim
- Department of Periodontology, Pusan University School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Eui-Kyong Jeong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan University College of Natural Sciences, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Eun-Young Kwon
- Department of Periodontology, Pusan University School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ji-Young Joo
- Department of Periodontology, Pusan University School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ju-Youn Lee
- Department of Periodontology, Pusan University School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Jeomil Choi
- Department of Periodontology, Pusan University School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Korea
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18
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Bergante S, Torretta E, Creo P, Sessarego N, Papini N, Piccoli M, Fania C, Cirillo F, Conforti E, Ghiroldi A, Tringali C, Venerando B, Ibatici A, Gelfi C, Tettamanti G, Anastasia L. Gangliosides as a potential new class of stem cell markers: the case of GD1a in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. J Lipid Res 2014; 55:549-60. [PMID: 24449473 PMCID: PMC3934739 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m046672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to their exposure on the cell surface and the possibility of being directly recognized with specific antibodies, glycosphingolipids have aroused great interest in the field of stem cell biology. In the search for specific markers of the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) toward osteoblasts, we studied their glycosphingolipid pattern, with particular attention to gangliosides. After lipid extraction and fractionation, gangliosides, metabolically (3)H-labeled in the sphingosine moiety, were separated by high-performance TLC and chemically characterized by MALDI MS. Upon induction of osteogenic differentiation, a 3-fold increase of ganglioside GD1a was observed. Therefore, the hypothesis of GD1a involvement in hBMSCs commitment toward the osteogenic phenotype was tested by comparison of the osteogenic propensity of GD1a-highly expressing versus GD1a-low expressing hBMSCs and direct addition of GD1a in the differentiation medium. It was found that either the high expression of GD1a in hBMSCs or the addition of GD1a in the differentiation medium favored osteogenesis, providing a remarkable increase of alkaline phosphatase. It was also observed that ganglioside GD2, although detectable in hBMSCs by immunohistochemistry with an anti-GD2 antibody, could not be recognized by chemical analysis, likely reflecting a case, not uncommon, of molecular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Bergante
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences for Health, and University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Enrica Torretta
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences for Health, and University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Pasquale Creo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Nadia Sessarego
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (Milan), Italy; and
| | - Nadia Papini
- Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Marco Piccoli
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Chiara Fania
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences for Health, and University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Federica Cirillo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Erika Conforti
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Andrea Ghiroldi
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Cristina Tringali
- Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Bruno Venerando
- Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences for Health, and University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR, Cefalù (Palermo) and Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Guido Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
| | - Luigi Anastasia
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences for Health, and University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato, San Donato (Milan), Italy
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19
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Torretta E, Vasso M, Fania C, Capitanio D, Bergante S, Piccoli M, Tettamanti G, Anastasia L, Gelfi C. Application of direct HPTLC-MALDI for the qualitative and quantitative profiling of neutral and acidic glycosphingolipids: The case of NEU3 overexpressing C2C12 murine myoblasts. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:1319-28. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201300474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Torretta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
| | - Michele Vasso
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR; Cefalù (Palermo) Segrate Milan Italy
| | - Chiara Fania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
| | - Daniele Capitanio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
| | - Sonia Bergante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering; IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Milan Italy
| | - Marco Piccoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering; IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Milan Italy
| | - Guido Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering; IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Milan Italy
| | - Luigi Anastasia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering; IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Milan Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; University of Milan; Segrate Milan Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR; Cefalù (Palermo) Segrate Milan Italy
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20
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Gleicher N, Weghofer A, Barad D. Female infertility due to abnormal autoimmunity: frequently overlooked and greatly underappreciated. Part I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17474108.2.4.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Infants, from the moment of birth, are colonized by large numbers of microbes. This colonization continues throughout childhood and from preliminary studies seems to be a highly dynamic process, even during the usual physiologic state we refer to as health. In this context, the persistence of bacterial and fungal species in and on the human body likely confers various benefits to the host. One specific approach to modulate such beneficial effects is the administration of probiotics, also known as beneficial microbes. Herein, we outline the highest level evidence in regard to the evolution of the microbiome during childhood and its manipulation by probiotics for genitourinary, enteric, and allergic and atopic disorders. Thus, probiotic approaches are promising alternatives and adjuvants to traditional vaccines and antibiotics. This may usher in a new age in which vaccine and antibiotic side effects and antibiotic resistance are minimal issues in the setting of maintaining children's health and prevention of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Harrison Hsieh
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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22
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Baker BM, Scott DR, Blevins SJ, Hawse WF. Structural and dynamic control of T-cell receptor specificity, cross-reactivity, and binding mechanism. Immunol Rev 2013; 250:10-31. [PMID: 23046120 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01165.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, structural biology has shown how T-cell receptors engage peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complexes and provided insight into the mechanisms underlying antigen specificity and cross-reactivity. Here we review and contextualize our contributions, which have emphasized the influence of structural changes and molecular flexibility. A repeated observation is the presence of conformational melding, in which the T-cell receptor (TCR), peptide, and in some cases, MHC protein cooperatively adjust in order for recognition to proceed. The structural changes reflect the intrinsic dynamics of the unligated proteins. Characterization of the dynamics of unligated TCR shows how binding loop motion can influence TCR cross-reactivity as well as specificity towards peptide and MHC. Examination of peptide dynamics indicates not only peptide-specific variation but also a peptide dependence to MHC flexibility. This latter point emphasizes that the TCR engages a composite peptide/MHC surface and that physically the receptor makes little distinction between the peptide and MHC. Much additional evidence for this can be found within the database of available structures, including our observations of a peptide dependence to the TCR binding mode and structural compensations for altered interatomic interactions, in which lost TCR-peptide interactions are replaced with TCR-MHC interactions. The lack of a hard-coded physical distinction between peptide and MHC has implications not only for specificity and cross-reactivity but also the mechanisms underlying MHC restriction as well as attempts to modulate and control TCR recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and the pathogenesis leading to demyelination includes 3 major processes. The first step is establishment of autoimmunity to CNS myelin components, with molecular mimicry between a portion of the infectious agents and that of myelin, which is an important feature. The second step is entry of immune cells into the CNS via the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Activated T cells can easily cross the BBB using surface LFA-1 and VLA-4 as ligands to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, respectively, which are expressed on endothelial cells in the CNS. As the third step, immune reactions occur within the CNS when activated T cells encounter specific antigens presented by microglia. Of the helper T cells re-stimulated by autoantigens, Th1 cells producing interferon-γ and Th17 cells secreting interleukin-17 play major roles in propagating inflammation, while Th2 cells producing IL-4, and regulatory T cells secreting IL-10 and TGF-β suppress pathological processes. Final demyelination is rendered either by macrophages recruited from the bloodstream across the BBB, or by TNF-α and nitric oxide, which are secreted by Th1 cells and macrophages, and toxic to CNS myelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Matsui
- Department of Neurology, Kanazawa Medical University
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24
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Jeong E, Lee JY, Kim SJ, Choi J. Predominant immunoreactivity ofPorphyromonas gingivalisheat shock protein in autoimmune diseases. J Periodontal Res 2012; 47:811-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2012.01501.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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25
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[Report from the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT). Pitfalls on the way from concept to medical treatment with advanced therapy medicinal products]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2011; 54:822-30. [PMID: 21698535 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-011-1304-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) are highly innovative and complex medicines. They comprise gene therapy medicinal products, somatic cell therapy medicinal products, and tissue-engineered products (TEP). With the European Regulation on ATMP that came into force in 2008, a consolidated regulatory framework was created, where the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) plays a central role. This article discusses pitfalls and challenges that the CAT has experienced in its discussions of various procedures. Often ATMPs are developed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) which also face nonscientific challenges. The CAT wishes to meet these challenges on a scientific and regulatory level during its 2010-2015 work program.
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26
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Infections in rheumatology practice: an experience from NIMS, Hyderabad. INDIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0973-3698(11)60026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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27
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Borbulevych OY, Piepenbrink KH, Baker BM. Conformational melding permits a conserved binding geometry in TCR recognition of foreign and self molecular mimics. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:2950-8. [PMID: 21282516 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Molecular mimicry between foreign and self Ags is a mechanism of TCR cross-reactivity and is thought to contribute to the development of autoimmunity. The αβ TCR A6 recognizes the foreign Ag Tax from the human T cell leukemia virus-1 when presented by the class I MHC HLA-A2. In a possible link with the autoimmune disease human T cell leukemia virus-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, A6 also recognizes a self peptide from the neuronal protein HuD in the context of HLA-A2. We found in our study that the complexes of the HuD and Tax epitopes with HLA-A2 are close but imperfect structural mimics and that in contrast with other recent structures of TCRs with self Ags, A6 engages the HuD Ag with the same traditional binding mode used to engage Tax. Although peptide and MHC conformational changes are needed for recognition of HuD but not Tax and the difference of a single hydroxyl triggers an altered TCR loop conformation, TCR affinity toward HuD is still within the range believed to result in negative selection. Probing further, we found that the HuD-HLA-A2 complex is only weakly stable. Overall, these findings help clarify how molecular mimicry can drive self/nonself cross-reactivity and illustrate how low peptide-MHC stability can permit the survival of T cells expressing self-reactive TCRs that nonetheless bind with a traditional binding mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Y Borbulevych
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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28
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Abstract
Several factors should be taken into account when it comes to the first exposure of humans to a novel vaccine.
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29
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Khitrov AN, Shogenov ZS, Tretyak EB, Ischenko AI, Matsuura E, Neuhaus O, Paltsev MA, Suchkov SV. Postinfectious immunodeficiency and autoimmunity: pathogenic and clinical values and implications. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2010; 3:323-31. [PMID: 20477676 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.3.3.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmunity is still a mystery of clinical immunology and medicine as a whole. The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders remain unclear and, thus, are assessed as a balance between hereditary predisposition, triggering factors and the appearance of autoantibodies and/or self-reactive T cells. Among the immunological armamentarium, molecular mimicry, based on self-reactive T- and B-cell activation by cross-reactive epitopes of infectious agents, is of special value. Hypotheses regarding the possible involvement of molecular mimicry in the development of postinfectious autoimmunity are currently very intriguing. They provide new approaches for identifying etiological agents that are associated with postinfectious autoimmunity, paired microbial- and tissue-linked epitopes targeted for autoimmune reaction determination, postinfectious autoimmunity pathogenesis recognition and specific prevention, and therapy for autoimmune disorder development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Khitrov
- IM Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy, Department of Pathology, Moscow, Russia.
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30
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Rani PS, Sechi LA, Ahmed N. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis as a trigger of type-1 diabetes: destination Sardinia, or beyond? Gut Pathog 2010; 2:1. [PMID: 20350307 PMCID: PMC2867798 DOI: 10.1186/1757-4749-2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease in which the insulin producing beta cell population is destroyed by the infiltrated T lymphocytes. Even though the exact cause of T1DM is yet to be ascertained, varying degree of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors have been linked to the disease progress and outcome. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is an obligate zoonotic pathogen that causes chronic infection of intestines in ruminants, the Johne's disease. MAP that can even survive pasteurization and chlorination has also been implicated to cause similar type of enteritis in humans called Crohn's disease. With the increasing recognition of the link between MAP and Crohn's disease, it has been postulated that MAP is an occult antigen which besides Crohn's could as well be thought to trigger T1DM. Epitope homologies between mycobacterial proteins (Hsp 65) and pancreatic glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD 65) and infant nutrition studies implicate MAP as one of the triggers for T1DM. PCR and ELISA analyses in diabetic patients from Sardinia suggest that MAP acts as a possible trigger for T1DM. Systematic mechanistic insights are needed to prove this link. Unfortunately, no easy animal model(s) or in-vitro systems are available to decipher the complex immunological network that is triggered in MAP infection leading to T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pittu Sandhya Rani
- Pathogen Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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Barabas AZ, Cole CD, Barabas AD, Graeff RM, Lafreniere R, Weir DM. Modified Vaccination Technique for Prophylactic and Therapeutic Applications to Combat Endogenous Antigen-Induced Disorders. Scand J Immunol 2010; 71:125-33. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02360.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Encinales L, Zuñiga J, Granados-Montiel J, Yunis M, Granados J, Almeciga I, Clavijo O, Awad C, Collazos V, Vargas-Rojas MI, Bañales-Mendez JL, Vazquez-Castañeda L, Stern JN, Romero V, Fridkis-Hareli M, Terreros D, Fernandez-Viña M, Yunis EJ. Humoral immunity in tuberculin skin test anergy and its role in high-risk persons exposed to active tuberculosis. Mol Immunol 2009; 47:1066-73. [PMID: 20004475 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The most common test to identify latent tuberculosis is the tuberculin skin test that detects T cell responses of delayed type hypersensitivity type IV. Since it produces false negative reactions in active tuberculosis or in high-risk persons exposed to tuberculosis patients as shown in this report, we studied antibody profiles to explain the anergy of such responses in high-risk individuals without active infection. Our results showed that humoral immunity against tuberculin, regardless of the result of the tuberculin skin test is important for protection from active tuberculosis and that the presence of high antibody titers is a more reliable indicator of infection latency suggesting that latency can be based on the levels of antibodies together with in vitro proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of the purified protein derivative. Importantly, anti-tuberculin IgG antibody levels mediate the anergy described herein, which could also prevent reactivation of disease in high-risk individuals with high antibody titers. Such anti-tuberculin IgG antibodies were also found associated with blocking and/or stimulation of in vitro cultures of PBMC with tuberculin. In this regard, future studies need to establish if immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis can generate a broad spectrum of reactions either toward Th1 responses favoring stimulation by cytokines or by antibodies and those toward diminished responses by Th2 cytokines or blocking by antibodies; possibly involving mechanisms of antibody dependent protection from Mtb by different subclasses of IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Encinales
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115 6084, USA
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Presence of autoimmune antibody in chikungunya infection. Case Rep Med 2009; 2009:840183. [PMID: 19997520 PMCID: PMC2787058 DOI: 10.1155/2009/840183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya infection has recently re-emerged as an important arthropod-borne disease in Thailand. Recently, Southern Thailand was identified as a potentially endemic area for the chikungunya virus. Here, we report a case of severe musculoskeletal complication, presenting with muscle weakness and swelling of the limbs. During the investigation to exclude autoimmune muscular inflammation, high titers of antinuclear antibody were detected. This is the report of autoimmunity detection associated with an arbovirus infection. The symptoms can mimic autoimmune polymyositis disease, and the condition requires close monitoring before deciding to embark upon prolonged specific treatment with immunomodulators.
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Lipid autoreactivity in multiple sclerosis. Med Hypotheses 2009; 74:433-42. [PMID: 19932569 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Lipids comprise over 70% of the myelin sheath but have been largely underinvestigated as autoantigens in multiple sclerosis (MS). This paper cites evidence for the involvement of lipid autoreactivity in MS and details how self lipid cross-reactivity may also contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disorders (both of which have been associated with MS). A further analysis of myelin chemistry suggests several mechanisms by which infection may contribute to etiology and trigger lipid autoreactivity via molecular mimicry. This analysis may aid the development of new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
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35
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Abstract
The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have long been an enigmatic subject that have involved genetic and environmental factors. Recent intriguing data has contributed to the mechanisms involved, including the relationship of infectious agents and loss of tolerance. This loss of tolerance is illustrated by the data on the immune response to Hepatitis B virus such as the molecular mimicry between HBV antigens and self proteins, the generation of immune complexes between HBV antigens and antibodies, and apoptosis/tissue damage resulting in the exposure of intracellular antigens to the immune system. In this paper, we review the current database related to HBV infection and a variety of autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, aplastic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome, polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease and uveitis.
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36
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Cuchacovich R, Gedalia A. Pathophysiology and clinical spectrum of infections in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2009; 35:75-93. [PMID: 19480998 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory and multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by an uncontrolled autoreactivity of B and T lymphocytes leading to the production of autoantibodies against self-directed antigens and tissue destruction. Environmental factors, such as infections, which are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, are potential triggers of the disease. This article discusses bacterial, viral, and opportunistic microorganism infections in SLE, and the role of immunosuppressive therapy and immunodeficiencies in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Cuchacovich
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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37
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Mix E, Stefan K, Höppner J, Klauer T, Zettl UK, Strauss U, Meyer-Rienecker HJ, Rolfs A. Lymphocyte Subpopulations, Oxidative Burst and Apoptosis in Peripheral Blood Cells of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis–Effect of Interferon-β. Autoimmunity 2009; 36:291-305. [PMID: 14567559 DOI: 10.1080/0891693031000152697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
At present, the most efficient therapeutical treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is achieved by IFN-beta. However, its in vivo effects remain incompletely understood. If applied parenterally, the hydrophobic IFN-beta acts primarily on blood cells with probable selectivity for functionally different lymphocyte subpopulations, monocytes and granulocytes. We have investigated the expression of the activation marker interleukin-2 receptor-alpha (CD25) on CD3+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, foetal-type gamma(delta)+CD3+ T cells and foetal-type CD5+CD19+ B cells of the peripheral blood. In addition, the oxidative burst activity and apoptosis have been determined in mononuclear and polymorphonuclear blood cells, respectively. The study accompanied a phase III trial with IFN-beta1b (BETAFERON, Schering). Two groups of MS patients with relapsing-remitting course of the disease have been investigated at 8 time points (days 0, 5, 15, 31, 60, 90, 180 and 270 after starting therapy): (1) verum group (n = 8) with application of 8 Mill. units IFN-beta1 b every other day, and (2) placebo group (n = 4) with application of placebo for 3 months and therapy as in (1) from day 90 onward. The main results were: (1) Activated T cells decreased until day 180 in the verum group and return thereafter to pre-treatment values, whereas in the placebo group the values remained relatively stable over the whole observation period. (2) Activated B cells increased between days 90 and 270 in both groups, i.e. after verum application in both groups. (3) Foetal-type B cells were more activated than total B and T cells with increase over time in both groups. (4) Foetal-type T cells exerted relatively stable intra-individual levels with generally low CD25 expression, but punctual CD25 peaks in both groups. (5) The spontaneous oxidative burst was higher in lymphocytes, more variable in monocytes and faster increasing in granulocytes in the verum group than in the placebo group. (6) Apoptosis of mononuclear cells and granulocytes showed similar variations in the verum and placebo groups with the exception of a selective increase over time of the proportion of granulocytes undergoing induced apoptosis in the verum group. It is concluded that IFN-beta has the following main effects on the immune system of MS patients: (1) the T cell immunity is systemically and reversibly suppressed, (2) the foetal-type lymphocytes, which are responsible for the first line of defence of infections, are stimulated in the long range, (3) the oxidative burst activity is increased in lymphocytes and granulocytes and instable in monocytes, and (4) the inducibility of apoptosis in granulocytes is increased. Re-examination of the altered blood cell parameters after long-term IFN-beta therapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilhard Mix
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, P.O. Box 100888, 18055 Rostock, Germany.
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't Hart BA, Hintzen RQ, Laman JD. Multiple sclerosis - a response-to-damage model. Trends Mol Med 2009; 15:235-44. [PMID: 19451035 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Revised: 04/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
According to a widely supported but unproven concept, the autoimmune mechanisms that drive neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) are triggered by virus infection. However, a direct viral trigger of MS has not been identified. MS models in non-human primates suggest that lifelong asymptomatic infection with certain herpesviruses (e.g. cytomegalovirus) creates a repertoire of potentially autoreactive memory T cells. When these are exposed to antigens released after central nervous system injury as a consequence of an unknown pathogenic event, they are reactivated and induce autoimmune neurological disease. This response-to-damage of antiviral memory cells can take place years after the initiating infection. Consequently, elucidating the anti-herpesvirus T-cell repertoire might provide new targets for preventive diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert A 't Hart
- Department of Immunobiology, Biomedical Primate Research Center, Lange Kleiweg 139, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
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39
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Hsieh MH, Versalovic J. The human microbiome and probiotics: implications for pediatrics. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2008; 38:309-27. [PMID: 18992706 PMCID: PMC2892890 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The “human super-organism” refers to the human body and the massive numbers of microbes which dwell within us and on the skin surface. Despite the large numbers of microbes co-existing within the human body, humans including infants and children achieve a physiologic state of equilibrium known as health in the context of this microbial world. These key concepts suggest that many individual members of the human microbiome, including bacterial and fungal species, confer different benefits on the human host. Probiotics, or beneficial microbes, may modulate immune responses, provide key nutrients, or suppress the proliferation and virulence of infectious agents. The human microbiome is in fact dynamic and often in flux, which may be indicative of the continuous interplay among commensal microbes, pathogens, and the human host. In this article we review the state-of-the-art regarding probiotics applications to prevent or treat diseases of the pediatric gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Additionally, probiotics may regulate local and systemic immunity, thereby reducing allergic disease severity and susceptibilities of infants and children to allergies and atopic diseases. In summary, beneficial microbes offer promising alternatives for new strategies in therapeutic microbiology with implications for different subspecialties within pediatrics. Instead of simply trying to counteract microbes with vaccines and antibiotics, a new field of medical microbiology is emerging that strives to translate human microbiome research into new probiotics strategies for promotion of health and prevention of disease in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Hsieh
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Texas Children's Hospital and Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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40
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10 most commonly asked questions about cerebrospinal fluid characteristics in demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. Neurologist 2008; 14:60-5. [PMID: 18195662 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0b013e31815ac523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current literature and summarize the main principles found between viral infections and the subsequent production of autoantibodies. RECENT FINDINGS We concentrate on recent findings involving three viral agents, one of which is Epstein-Barr virus, which has been associated with many autoimmune diseases and is classically considered to induce systemic lupus erythematosus. As we will discuss, this occurs through molecular mimicry between Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 and lupus-specific antigens such as Ro, La or dsDNA, through induction of Toll-like receptor hypersensitivity by Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A or by creating immortal B and T cells by loss of apoptosis. Hepatitis B virus was found to share amino acid sequences with different autoantigens. Tissue damage and the release of intracellular components is just another example of the autoantibody production caused by this virus. Cytomegalovirus has often been controversially associated with several autoimmune diseases and, although is the least understood viral infection of the three, appears to be somewhat suspicious. SUMMARY Understanding the infectious origin of autoimmune diseases is important as we aim to identify high-risk patients and disrupt this process with vaccines or other medications, ultimately delaying or even preventing the evolution of autoimmune diseases.
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42
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Barzilai O, Sherer Y, Ram M, Izhaky D, Anaya JM, Shoenfeld Y. Epstein Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus in Autoimmune Diseases: Are They Truly Notorious? A Preliminary Report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1108:567-77. [PMID: 17894021 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1422.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
To date, it is believed that the origin of autoimmune diseases is one of a multifactorial background. A genetic predisposition, an immune system malfunction or even backfire, hormonal regulation, and environmental factors all play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Among these environmental factors, the role of infection is known to be a major one. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are considered to be notorious as they are consistently associated with multiple autoimmune diseases. A cohort of 1595 serum samples, of 23 different autoimmune disease groups, was screened for evidence of prior infection with EBV and CMV. All samples were screened for antibodies against EBV nuclear antigen-1 (IgG), EBV viral capsid antigen (IgG and IgM), EBV early antigen (IgG), EBV heterophile antibody, and CMV (IgG and IgM) antibodies using Bio-Rad's BioPlex 2200. A new association is proposed between EBV and polymyositis, as results show a significant increase in titers of various EBV target analytes when compared with healthy controls. Our results also support prior information suggesting the association between EBV and multiple autoimmune diseases, including SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pemphigus vulgaris, giant cell arthritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Elevated CMV IgG titers were observed in sera of SLE patients. Our data support the theory that EBV is notoriously associated with many autoimmune diseases. CMV appears to be associated to autoimmune diseases as well, yet establishing this theory requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Barzilai
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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43
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Usuki S, Pajaniappan M, Thompson SA, Yu RK. Chemical validation of molecular mimicry: interaction of cholera toxin with Campylobacter lipooligosaccharides. Glycoconj J 2007; 24:167-80. [PMID: 17226101 PMCID: PMC2771395 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-006-9025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2006] [Revised: 11/14/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It is generally believed that molecular mimicry between bacterial lipooligosaccharide (LOS) and nerve glycolipids may play an important pathogenic role in immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy. One of the putative infectious agents is Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni). To elucidate the structural basis for the molecular mimicry, we investigated the structure of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) fraction of C. jejuni, strain HS19, and found that it includes at least two components, characterized as fast-and slow-moving bands (LF and LS) by thin-layer chromatography as revealed by cholera toxin B subunit (Ctxb) overlay. Structural analysis of the oligosaccharide portion of LS established that it had the following structure: Gal-GalNAc-(NeuAc)Gal-Hep-(Glc;PO(3)H)Hep-Kdo. The GM1-like epitope was validated by a terminal tetrasaccharide unit within this structure. On the other hand, analysis of LF revealed an entirely different structure: 1, 4'-bisphosphoryl glucosamine disaccharide N, N'-acylated by 3-(2-hydroxytetracosanoyloxy)octadecanoic acid at 2- and 2'-positions, which is consistent with that of lipid A. No GM1-like epitope was observed in LF. Both LS and LF interacted with Ctxb as demonstrated by TLC-overlay and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Surprisingly, LF does not have the basic GM1 structure for interacting with Ctxb. Instead, the affinity of LF to Ctxb required that one or both of the phosphate groups be present in the glucosamine disaccharide residue because after alkaline phosphatase treatment the dephosphorylated LF was unable to bind to Ctxb. We conclude that LS is likely the component contributing to GM1-mimicry in autoimmune peripheral neuropathy and that the role of LF is not clear but may be associated with the initial activation of autoreactive T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Usuki
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-2697, USA
| | - Mohanasundari Pajaniappan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Stuart A. Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Robert K. Yu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-2697, USA
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44
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Gleicher N. Why much of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia-eclampsia must be of an autoimmune nature. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007; 196:5.e1-7. [PMID: 17240219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2006] [Revised: 07/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia-eclampsia (PE-E) is a poorly understood condition of human pregnancy, which can affect multiple organs and is a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. The etiology and pathophysiology remain enigmas, however, which hampers progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. PE-E is characterized by many features typically seen in autoimmune diseases, or in association with autoimmune reactions. Although this does not mean that PE-E should be considered an autoimmune condition, it does suggest that abnormal autoimmune processes play an important part in the clinical presentation of PE-E. In that regard, PE-E mimics autoimmune responses also observed in situations of allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Indeed, PE-E shares many other clinical and laboratory characteristics with allograft rejection and GVHD. Recognizing PE-E as a clinical condition that is characterized by autoimmune abnormalities may facilitate earlier and more specific diagnosis, along with preventive and more specific therapies for women at risk.
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45
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Lee SM, Dunnavant FD, Jang H, Zunt J, Levin MC. Autoantibodies that recognize functional domains of hnRNPA1 implicate molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of neurological disease. Neurosci Lett 2006; 401:188-93. [PMID: 16600502 PMCID: PMC2882438 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2005] [Revised: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As a model for molecular mimicry in neurological disease, we study people infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) who develop HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In HAM/TSP, data suggests molecular mimicry is the result of cross-reactive antibodies between HTLV-1-tax and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1), a protein over-expressed in human CNS neurons. The hnRNP A1 epitope recognized by autoantibodies was unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that antibodies purified from HAM/TSP patients would react with functionally significant domains of hnRNP A1. Western blotting of functionally significant deletion mutants and overlapping fusion proteins using HAM/TSP IgG revealed two core epitopes within the C-terminal region of hnRNP A1. The first (aminoacids 191-SSQRGRSGSGNF-202), overlapped the RGG domain and the second (aminoacids 293-GQYFAKPRNQGG-304), with the M9 shuttling sequence, two functionally important regions of hnRNP A1. Monoclonal antibodies to HTLV-1-tax also reacted with the epitopes. These data fulfill an important criterion of molecular mimicry, namely that mimicking epitopes are not random, but include biologically significant regions of target proteins. This suggests an important role for the cross-reactive immune response between HTLV-1 and hnRNP A1 in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated neurological diseases via molecular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Min Lee
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Brain Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Floyd D. Dunnavant
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Haeman Jang
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Brain Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joseph Zunt
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael C. Levin
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Brain Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center of Excellence in Connective Tissue Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Link Building, Room 415, 855 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. Tel.: +1 901 448 2243; fax: +1 901 448 7440. (M.C. Levin)
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46
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Otte L, Knaute T, Schneider-Mergener J, Kramer A. Molecular basis for the binding polyspecificity of an anti-cholera toxin peptide 3 monoclonal antibody. J Mol Recognit 2006; 19:49-59. [PMID: 16273596 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The onset of autoimmune diseases is proposed to involve binding promiscuity of antibodies (Abs) and T-cells, an often reported yet poorly understood phenomenon. Here, we attempt to approach two questions: first, is binding promiscuity a general feature of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and second, what is the molecular basis for polyspecificity? To this end, the anti-cholera toxin peptide 3 (CTP3) mAb TE33 was investigated for polyspecific binding properties. Screening of phage display libraries identified two epitope-unrelated peptides that specifically bound TE33 with affinities similar to or 100-fold higher than the wild-type epitope. Substitutional analyses revealed distinct key residue patterns recognized by the antibody suggesting a unique binding mode for each peptide. A database query with one of the consensus motifs and a subsequent binding study uncovered 45 peptides (derived from heterologous proteins) that bound TE33. To better understand the structural basis of the observed polyspecificity we modeled the new cyclic epitope in complex with TE33. The interactions between this peptide and TE33 suggested by our model are substantially different from the interactions observed in the X-ray structure of the wild-type epitope complex. However, the overall binding conformation of the peptides is similar. Together, our results support the theory of a general polyspecific potential of mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Otte
- Institut für Medizinische Immunologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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47
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Gironès N, Cuervo H, Fresno M. Trypanosoma cruzi-induced molecular mimicry and Chagas' disease. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2006; 296:89-123. [PMID: 16323421 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-30791-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has been considered a paradigm of infection-induced autoimmune disease. Thus, the scarcity of parasites in the chronic phase of the disease contrasts with the severe cardiac pathology observed in approximately 30% of chronic patients and suggested a role for autoimmunity as the origin of the pathology. Antigen-specific and antigen-non-specific mechanisms have been described by which T. cruzi infection might activate T and B cells, leading to autoimmunity. Among the first mechanisms, molecular mimicry has been claimed as the most important mechanism leading to autoimmunity and pathology in the chronic phase of this disease. In this regard, various T. cruzi antigens, such as B13, cruzipain and Cha, cross-react with host antigens at the B or T cell level and their role in pathogenesis has been widely studied. Immunization with those antigens and/or passive transfer of autoreactive T lymphocytes in mice lead to clinical disturbances similar to those found in Chagas' disease patients. On the other hand, the parasite is becoming increasingly detected in chronically infected hosts and may also be the cause of pathology either directly or through parasite-specific mediated inflammatory responses. Thus, the issue of autoimmunity versus parasite persistence as the cause of Chagas' disease pathology is hotly debated among many researchers in the field. We critically review here the evidence in favor of and against autoimmunity through molecular mimicry as responsible for Chagas' disease pathology from clinical, pathological and immunological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gironès
- Centro de Biología Molecular, CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
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48
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Abstract
Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 8% of the population, 78% of whom are women. The reasons for the high prevalence in women are unknown, but circumstantial evidence links autoimmune diseases with preceding infections. Animal models of autoimmune diseases have shown that infections can induce autoimmune disease. For example, coxsackievirus B3 (CB3) infection of susceptible mice results in inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) that resembles myocarditis in humans. The same disease can be induced by injecting mice with heart proteins mixed with adjuvant(s), which indicates that an active infection is not necessary for the development of autoimmune disease. We have found that CB3 triggers autoimmune disease in susceptible mice by stimulating elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines from mast cells during the innate immune response. Sex hormones may further amplify this hyperimmune response to infection in susceptible persons, which leads to an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeLisa Fairweather
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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49
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Sandalova T, Michaëlsson J, Harris RA, Odeberg J, Schneider G, Kärre K, Achour A. A structural basis for CD8+ T cell-dependent recognition of non-homologous peptide ligands: implications for molecular mimicry in autoreactivity. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:27069-75. [PMID: 15845547 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m500927200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular mimicry of self-epitopes by viral antigens is one possible pathogenic mechanism underlying induction of autoimmunity. A self-epitope, mDBM, derived from mouse dopamine beta-mono-oxygenase (KALYDYAPI) sharing 44% sequence identity with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-derived immunodominant epitope gp33 (KAVYNFATC/M), has previously been identified as a cross-reactive self-ligand, presentation of which results in autoimmunity. A rat peptide homologue, rDBM (KALYNYAPI, 56% identity to gp33), which displayed similar properties to mDBM, has also been identified. We herein report the crystal structure of H-2Db.rDBM and a comparison with the crystal structures of the cross-reactive H-2Db.gp33 and non-cross-reactive H-2Db.gp33 (V3L) escape variant (KALYNFATM, 88% identity to gp33). Despite the large sequence disparity, rDBM and gp33 peptides are presented in nearly identical manners by H-2Db, with a striking juxtaposition of the central sections of both peptides from residues p3 to p7. The structural similarity provides H-2Db in complex with either a virus-derived or a dopamine beta-mono-oxygenase-derived peptide with a shared antigenic identity that conserves the positioning of the heavy chain and peptide residues that interact with the T cell receptor (TCR). This stands in contrast to the structure of H-2Db.gp33 (V3L), in which a single conserved mutation, also present in rDBM, induces large movements of both the peptide backbone and the side chains that interact with the TCR. The TCR-interacting surfaces of the H-2Db.rDBM and H-2Db.gp33 major histocompatibility complexes are very similar with regard to shape, topology, and charge distribution, providing a structural basis for CD8 T cell activation by molecular mimicry and potential subsequent development of autoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Sandalova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Microbiology and Tumor Biology Center, and Strategic Research Center IRIS for Studies of Integrated Recognition in the Immune System, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Bättig P, Saudan P, Storni T, Gallimore A, Bachmann MF. Limited in vivo reactivity of polyclonal effector cytotoxic T cells towards altered peptide ligands. Microbes Infect 2005; 7:729-37. [PMID: 15857805 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2005] [Revised: 01/21/2005] [Accepted: 01/25/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
T cell responses are regulated by the affinity/avidity of the T cell receptor for the MHC/peptide complex, available costimulation and duration of antigenic stimulation. Altered peptide ligands (APLs) are usually recognized with a reduced affinity/avidity by the T cell receptor and are often able to only partially activate T cells in vitro or may even function as antagonists. Here we assessed the ability of APLs derived from peptide p33 of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) to mediate lysis of target cells in vivo, confer anti-viral protection and cause auto-immune disease. In general, in vitro cross-reactivity between APLs was rather limited, and even strongly cross-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes were only able to mediate moderate anti-viral protection. Partial protection was observed for infection with LCMV or low doses of recombinant vaccinia virus, while no reduced viral titers could be seen upon infection with high dose of vaccinia virus. In a transgenic mouse model expressing LCMV glycoprotein in the islets of the pancreas, APLs induced a transient insulitis but failed to induce autoimmune diabetes. Thus, effector functions induced by even highly homologous APLs are rather limited in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Viral/chemistry
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/pharmacology
- Autoimmune Diseases/etiology
- Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases/prevention & control
- Cross Reactions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/etiology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/prevention & control
- Disease Models, Animal
- Glycoproteins/chemistry
- Glycoproteins/genetics
- Glycoproteins/immunology
- Glycoproteins/pharmacology
- Ligands
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis/complications
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis/immunology
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus/immunology
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus/pathogenicity
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Peptide Fragments/chemistry
- Peptide Fragments/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Peptides/pharmacology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Vaccinia virus/genetics
- Viral Proteins/chemistry
- Viral Proteins/genetics
- Viral Proteins/immunology
- Viral Proteins/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Bättig
- Cytos Biotechnology, AG Wagistrasse 25, 8952 Zürich-Schlieren, Switzerland
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