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Yamamoto M, Funada R, Taki R, Shiroishi M. Production and characterization of an Fv-clasp of rheumatoid factor, a low-affinity human autoantibody. J Biochem 2024; 175:387-394. [PMID: 38102734 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody against IgG that affects autoimmune diseases and inhibits the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and diagnostic agents. Although RFs derived from various germline genes have been identified, little is known about their molecular recognition mechanisms. In this study, the Fv-clasp format was used to prepare YES8c, an RF. We developed an Escherichia coli secretion expression system capable of producing milligram-scale of YES8c Fv-clasp per 1 L of culture. Although YES8c is an autoantibody with very low affinity, the produced Fv-clasp maintained specific binding to IgG. Interestingly, the molecules prepared by E. coli secretion had a higher affinity than those prepared by refolding. In the structure of the YES8c-Fc complex, the N-terminus of the light chain is close to Fc; therefore, it is suggested that the addition of the N-terminal methionine may cause collisions with Fc, resulting in reduced affinity. Our findings suggest that the Fv-clasp, which provides sufficient stability and a high bacterial yield, is a useful format for studying RFs with very low affinity. Furthermore, the Fv-clasp produced from a secretion expression system, which can properly process the N-terminus, would be suitable for analysis of RFs in which the N-terminus may be involved in interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maruto Yamamoto
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Ryoma Funada
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Ryota Taki
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Shiroishi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
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2
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Ueda T. [Modulation of Aggregation and Immunogenicity of a Protein: Based on the Study of Hen Lysozyme]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2024; 144:299-310. [PMID: 38432940 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.23-00192] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on the modulation of protein aggregation and immunogenicity. As a starting point for investigating long-range interactions within a non-native protein, the effects of perturbing denatured protein states on their aggregation, including the formation of amyloid fibrils, were evaluated. The effects of adducts, sugar modifications, and stabilization on protein aggregation were then examined. We also investigated how protein immunogenicity was affected by enhancing protein conformational stability and other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
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3
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Infantino M, Palterer B, Benucci M, Grossi V, Pancani S, Manfredi M, Bizzaro N. Testing for isotypes does not help differentiating rheumatoid arthritis from other rheumatoid factor positive diseases. Immunol Res 2023; 71:883-886. [PMID: 37322352 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09402-3] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid factors (RFs) are useful for diagnosis and classification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nephelometric and turbidimetric techniques, which detect total RF but do not reveal the antibody isotype, are common diagnostic methods in clinical routine. Given the recent development of isotype-specific immunoassays, the detection of IgG, IgM, and IgA RFs represents an interesting challenge. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether specific RF tests performed as a second step after traditional nephelometry could help differentiating RA from other RF-positive diseases. We tested 117 consecutive serum samples that were RF-positive at nephelometry (BNII nephelometric analyzer, Siemens) for IgA, IgG, and IgM RF isotypes by a fluoroimmunoenzymatic assay (FEIA) on the Phadia 250 instrument (ThermoFisher). Fifty-five subjects had RA and 62 presented non-RA diagnoses. Eighteen sera (15.4%) were positive only by nephelometry, two were positive only for IgA RF, and the remaining 97 sera were all positive for IgM RF isotype (with or without IgG and IgA RF). Positive findings did not correlate with RA or non-RA diagnosis. Spearman rho correlation coefficient between nephelometric total RF and IgM isotype was moderate (0.657), and weak between total RF and IgA (0.396) and IgG (0.360) isotypes. Despite its low specificity, measurement of total RF by nephelometry still seems to be the method that performs best. As IgM, IgA, and IgG RF isotypes showed only a moderate correlation with total RF measurement, their diagnostic use as a second level test remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Infantino
- Laboratorio di Immunologia e Allergologia, Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio, Via Torregalli, 3, 50143, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Boaz Palterer
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Grossi
- Laboratorio di Immunologia e Allergologia, Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio, Via Torregalli, 3, 50143, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Mariangela Manfredi
- Laboratorio di Immunologia e Allergologia, Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio, Via Torregalli, 3, 50143, Firenze, Italy
| | - Nicola Bizzaro
- Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale San Antonio, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata, Udine, Italy
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4
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Vieira MC, Palm AKE, Stamper CT, Tepora ME, Nguyen KD, Pham TD, Boyd SD, Wilson PC, Cobey S. Germline-encoded specificities and the predictability of the B cell response. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011603. [PMID: 37624867 PMCID: PMC10484431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies result from the competition of B cell lineages evolving under selection for improved antigen recognition, a process known as affinity maturation. High-affinity antibodies to pathogens such as HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are frequently reported to arise from B cells whose receptors, the precursors to antibodies, are encoded by particular immunoglobulin alleles. This raises the possibility that the presence of particular germline alleles in the B cell repertoire is a major determinant of the quality of the antibody response. Alternatively, initial differences in germline alleles' propensities to form high-affinity receptors might be overcome by chance events during affinity maturation. We first investigate these scenarios in simulations: when germline-encoded fitness differences are large relative to the rate and effect size variation of somatic mutations, the same germline alleles persistently dominate the response of different individuals. In contrast, if germline-encoded advantages can be easily overcome by subsequent mutations, allele usage becomes increasingly divergent over time, a pattern we then observe in mice experimentally infected with influenza virus. We investigated whether affinity maturation might nonetheless strongly select for particular amino acid motifs across diverse genetic backgrounds, but we found no evidence of convergence to similar CDR3 sequences or amino acid substitutions. These results suggest that although germline-encoded specificities can lead to similar immune responses between individuals, diverse evolutionary routes to high affinity limit the genetic predictability of responses to infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos C. Vieira
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Anna-Karin E. Palm
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Christopher T. Stamper
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Micah E. Tepora
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Khoa D. Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States of America
| | - Tho D. Pham
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States of America
| | - Patrick C. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America
- Gale and Ira Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, United States of America
| | - Sarah Cobey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States of America
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5
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Oskam N, Ooijevaar-De Heer P, Kos D, Jeremiasse J, van Boheemen L, Verstappen GM, Kroese FGM, van Schaardenburg D, Wolbink G, Rispens T. Rheumatoid factor autoantibody repertoire profiling reveals distinct binding epitopes in health and autoimmunity. Ann Rheum Dis 2023:ard-2023-223901. [PMID: 37055152 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-223901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid factors (RF) are one of the hallmark autoantibodies characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and are frequently observed in other diseases and in healthy individuals. RFs comprise multiple subtypes with different specificities towards the constant region of human IgG. Studies indicate that these patterns differ between naturally occurring RFs and RFs associated with disease. However, individual specificities characteristic of either have not been clearly defined. METHODS In this study, we developed an extended set of engineered IgG-fragment crystallisable (Fc) targets with preferential RF binding to specific (conformational) epitopes, which was subsequently used for profiling of RF binding patterns in a compiled exploration cohort, consisting of sera from healthy donors with measurable RF and patients with RA, primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and seropositive arthralgia. RESULTS We identified an epitope that is strongly associated with RA, which was targeted by both IgM-RF and IgA-RF. We also identified an epitope that is preferentially targeted by healthy donor (IgM) RFs. IgM-RFs derived from healthy donors and patients with RA and pSS all target distinct regions on the IgG-Fc, whereas overall, the IgA-RF repertoire is largely restricted to pathology-associated specificities. Using monoclonal RFs with different specificities, we furthermore demonstrate that the capacity to activate complement or even inhibit IgG-mediated complement activation varies according to the epitopes to which RFs bind. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate both the need and feasibility to redefine 'RF' into pathological and physiological autoantibody subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Oskam
- Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dorien Kos
- Sanquin Reagents, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorn Jeremiasse
- Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gwenny M Verstappen
- Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Kroese
- Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gertjan Wolbink
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Henning AN, Budeebazar M, Boldbaatar D, Yagaanbuyant D, Duger D, Batsukh K, Zhou H, Baumann R, Allison RD, Alter HJ, Dashdorj N, De Giorgi V. Peripheral B cells from patients with hepatitis C virus-associated lymphoma exhibit clonal expansion and an anergic-like transcriptional profile. iScience 2022; 26:105801. [PMID: 36619973 PMCID: PMC9813790 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HCV infection remains a global health concern due to its involvement in hepatic and extrahepatic diseases, including B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (BNHL). Clinical and epidemiological evidence support a causal role for HCV in BNHL development, although mechanistic insight is lacking. We performed RNA-sequencing on peripheral B cells from patients with HCV alone, BNHL alone, and HCV-associated BNHL to identify unique and shared transcriptional profiles associated with transformation. In patients with HCV-associated BNHL, we observed the enrichment of an anergic-like gene signature and evidence of clonal expansion that was correlated with the expression of epigenetic regulatory genes. Our data support a role for viral-mediated clonal expansion of anergic-like B cells in HCV-associated BNHL development and suggest epigenetic dysregulation as a potential mechanism driving expansion. We propose epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in both HCV-associated lymphoma and regulation of B cell anergy, representing an attractive target for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N. Henning
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Myagmarjav Budeebazar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia,Liver Center, Ulaanbaatar 14230, Mongolia
| | | | | | - Davaadorj Duger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Khishigjargal Batsukh
- Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, First Central Hospital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Huizhi Zhou
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ryan Baumann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert D. Allison
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Harvey J. Alter
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naranjargal Dashdorj
- Liver Center, Ulaanbaatar 14230, Mongolia,Onom Foundation, Ulaanbaatar 17011, Mongolia
| | - Valeria De Giorgi
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Corresponding author
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7
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Ma H, Murphy C, Loscher CE, O’Kennedy R. Autoantibodies - enemies, and/or potential allies? Front Immunol 2022; 13:953726. [PMID: 36341384 PMCID: PMC9627499 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies are well known as potentially highly harmful antibodies which attack the host via binding to self-antigens, thus causing severe associated diseases and symptoms (e.g. autoimmune diseases). However, detection of autoantibodies to a range of disease-associated antigens has enabled their successful usage as important tools in disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. There are several advantages of using such autoantibodies. These include the capacity to measure their presence very early in disease development, their stability, which is often much better than their related antigen, and the capacity to use an array of such autoantibodies for enhanced diagnostics and to better predict prognosis. They may also possess capacity for utilization in therapy, in vivo. In this review both the positive and negative aspects of autoantibodies are critically assessed, including their role in autoimmune diseases, cancers and the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Important issues related to their detection are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Murphy
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Richard O’Kennedy
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
- Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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8
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Cardozo T, Cardozo L, Boutjdir M. Autoantibody:Autoantigen Competitor Decoys: Application to Cardiac Phenotypes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:812649. [PMID: 35154130 PMCID: PMC8832015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.812649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are often associated with autoantibodies that abnormally target self-antigens (autoantigens). An intuitive therapeutic strategy for diseases caused by aAbs is to design decoys, or soluble molecules that target the antigen combining site of these aAbs, thereby blocking binding of aAb to self-antigen and subsequent tissue damage. Here, we review the known decoy molecules of these types, discuss newer technological opportunities afforded by monoclonal antibody and structural biology advances, and discuss the challenges to this approach. Recent opportunities relevant to this approach for cardiac phenotypes, specifically Ro-associated long QT syndrome, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Cardozo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lila Cardozo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohamed Boutjdir
- Department of Medicine, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, Cell Biology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.,Cardiovascular Research Program, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Ebihara T, Masuda A, Takahashi D, Hino M, Mon H, Kakino K, Fujii T, Fujita R, Ueda T, Lee JM, Kusakabe T. Production of scFv, Fab, and IgG of CR3022 Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Using Silkworm-Baculovirus Expression System. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:1223-1234. [PMID: 34304364 PMCID: PMC8310559 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is currently spreading around the world and causing many casualties. Antibodies against such emerging infectious diseases are one of the important tools for basic viral research and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. CR3022 is a monoclonal antibody against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S protein) of SARS-CoV found in SARS patients, but it was also shown to have strong affinity for that of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we produced large amounts of three formats of CR3022 antibodies (scFv, Fab and IgG) with high purity using a silkworm-baculovirus expression vector system. Furthermore, SPR measurements showed that the affinity of those silkworm-produced IgG antibodies to S protein was almost the same as that produced in mammalian expression system. These results indicate that the silkworm-baculovirus expression system is an excellent expression system for emerging infectious diseases that require urgent demand for diagnostic agents and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeru Ebihara
- Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Akitsu Masuda
- Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takahashi
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, Function and Design, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masato Hino
- Laboratory of Sanitary Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mon
- Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kohei Kakino
- Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tsuguru Fujii
- Laboratory of Creative Science for Insect Industries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Fujita
- Laboratory of Sanitary Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tadashi Ueda
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, Function and Design, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Jae Man Lee
- Laboratory of Creative Science for Insect Industries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kusakabe
- Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
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10
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Relationships of Rheumatoid Factor with Thickness of Retina and Choroid in Subjects without Ocular Symptoms Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5547533. [PMID: 33834078 PMCID: PMC8016561 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5547533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Researches have confirmed that the retinal and choroidal thickness in patients with autoimmune disease-associated uveitis displays significant changes. However, the relationships between rheumatoid factor (RF) and thickness of the retina and choroid in individuals without ocular manifestations remain unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the associations of RF with retinal and choroidal thickness. Methods The individuals enrolled in the cross-sectional research received full ocular examinations. The participants were classified as the RF (+) group (RF ≥ 15.0 IU/ml) and the RF (−) group (RF < 15.0 IU/ml) according to the serum RF titers. The thickness of the retina and choroid was measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Results The study covered 65 right eyes of 65 individuals that are RF-positive and 130 right eyes of 130 age- and sex-matched individuals that are RF-negative. The RF (+) group showed decreased choroidal thickness that achieved statistical significance only in the outer inferior and outer temporal sectors, as compared to the RF (−) group. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the retinal thickness between the two groups. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the RF was significantly negatively related to the choroidal thickness in all areas. However, there was no significant correlation between the RF and the retinal thickness. Conclusions Serum RF titers are closely linked with choroidal thickness before the emergence of ocular symptoms. Research into the relationships may improve our understanding of the role of serum RF in the pathogenesis of uveitis.
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11
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Goodnow CC. COVID-19, varying genetic resistance to viral disease and immune tolerance checkpoints. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 99:177-191. [PMID: 33113212 PMCID: PMC7894315 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a zoonosis like most of the great plagues sculpting human history, from smallpox to pandemic influenza and human immunodeficiency virus. When viruses jump into a new species the outcome of infection ranges from asymptomatic to lethal, historically ascribed to “genetic resistance to viral disease.” People have exploited these differences for good and bad, for developing vaccines from cowpox and horsepox virus, controlling rabbit plagues with myxoma virus and introducing smallpox during colonization of America and Australia. Differences in resistance to viral disease are at the core of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) crisis, yet our understanding of the mechanisms in any interspecies leap falls short of the mark. Here I review how the two key parameters of viral disease are countered by fundamentally different genetic mechanisms for resistance: (1) virus transmission, countered primarily by activation of innate and adaptive immune responses; and (2) pathology, countered primarily by tolerance checkpoints to limit innate and adaptive immune responses. I discuss tolerance thresholds and the role of CD8 T cells to limit pathological immune responses, the problems posed by tolerant superspreaders and the signature coronavirus evasion strategy of eliciting only short‐lived neutralizing antibody responses. Pinpointing and targeting the mechanisms responsible for varying pathology and short‐lived antibody were beyond reach in previous zoonoses, but this time we are armed with genomic technologies and more knowledge of immune checkpoint genes. These known unknowns must now be tackled to solve the current COVID‐19 crisis and the inevitable zoonoses to follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Goodnow
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Bende RJ, Janssen J, Beentjes A, Wormhoudt TAM, Wagner K, Haacke EA, Kroese FGM, Guikema JEJ, van Noesel CJM. Salivary Gland Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue-Type Lymphoma From Sjögren's Syndrome Patients in the Majority Express Rheumatoid Factors Affinity-Selected for IgG. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1330-1340. [PMID: 32182401 PMCID: PMC7496822 DOI: 10.1002/art.41263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective Patients with Sjӧgren's syndrome (SS) have an increased risk of developing malignant B cell lymphomas, particularly mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)–type lymphomas. We have previously shown that a predominant proportion of patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma express somatically hypermutated IgM with strong amino acid sequence homology with stereotypic rheumatoid factors (RFs). The present study was undertaken in a larger cohort of patients with SS‐associated MALT lymphoma to more firmly assess the frequency of RF reactivity and the significance of somatic IGV‐region mutations for RF reactivity. Methods B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) of 16 patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma were analyzed. Soluble recombinant IgM was produced of 12 MALT lymphoma samples, including 1 MALT lymphoma sample that expressed an IgM antibody fitting in a novel IGHV3‐30–encoded stereotypic IGHV subset. For 4 of the 12 IgM antibodies from MALT lymphoma samples, the somatically mutated IGHV and IGKV gene sequences were reverted to germline configurations. Their RF activity and binding affinity were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance, respectively. Results Nine (75%) of the 12 IgM antibodies identified in patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma displayed strong monoreactive RF activity. Reversion of the IGHV and IGKV mutations to germline configuration resulted in RF affinities for IgG that were significantly lower for 3 of the 4 somatically mutated IgM antibodies. In stereotypic IGHV3‐7/IGKV3‐15–encoded RFs, a recurrent replacement mutation in the IGKV3‐15–third complementarity‐determining region was found to play a pivotal role in the affinity for IgG‐Fc. Conclusion A majority of patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma express somatically mutated BCRs that are selected for monoreactive, high‐affinity binding of IgG‐Fc. These data underscore the notion that soluble IgG, most likely in immune complexes in inflamed tissues, is the principal autoantigen in the pathogenesis of a variety of B cell lymphomas, particularly SS‐associated MALT lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bende
- Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jerry Janssen
- Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Beentjes
- Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thera A M Wormhoudt
- Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Wagner
- AIMM Therapeutics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erlin A Haacke
- University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Kroese
- University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen E J Guikema
- Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel J M van Noesel
- Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Young C, Brink R. Germinal centers and autoantibodies. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 98:480-489. [PMID: 32080878 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Preventing self-reactive lymphocytes from participating in effector responses is fundamental to maintaining immunological self-tolerance and circumventing autoimmunity. A range of complementary mechanisms are known to act upon the primary B- and T-cell repertoires to this effect, eliminating or silencing lymphocytes expressing self-reactive antigen receptors generated through V(D)J recombination in early lymphoid precursors. In the case of B cells, secondary diversification of antigen receptor repertoire by somatic hypermutation (SHM) provides an additional challenge, especially because this occurs in germinal center (GC) B cells that are actively responding to antigen and primed for differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells. While it is clear that self-tolerance mechanisms do act to prevent antibody production by self-reactive GC B cells, it is also apparent that most pathogenic autoantibodies carry somatic mutations and so have derived from a GC response. Recent advances in the analysis of autoantibody-producing cells associated with human autoimmune diseases together with insights gained from animal models have increased our understanding of the relationships between GCs, SHM and autoantibody production. Here we discuss these developments and focus in particular on how they have illuminated the genesis and pathogenesis of one archetypal autoantibody, rheumatoid factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Young
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Brink
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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14
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A stereotyped light chain may shape virus-specific B-cell receptors in HCV-dependent lymphoproliferative disorders. Genes Immun 2020; 21:131-135. [PMID: 32066891 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-020-0093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) expressing stereotyped B-cell receptors (BCRs) endowed with rheumatoid factor (RF) activity and putatively recognizing the HCV E2 protein. To further untangle the shaping and function of these BCRs, we analyzed immunoglobulin gene rearrangements of monoclonal B cells from 13 patients with HCV-associated LPDs and correlated their features with the clinical outcomes of antiviral therapy. While only two patients shared a stereotyped heavy-chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) sequence, two kappa chain CDR3 stereotyped sequences accounted for 77% of BCRs. Light chains were enriched in sequences homologous to anti-HCV E2 antibodies compared with heavy chains (7/13 vs. 0/13; p = 0.005). Anti-HCV E2 homology was uniquely associated (7/7 vs. 0/6; p = 0.0006) with a stereotyped CDR3 sequence encoded by IGKV3-20/3D-20 gene(s) accounting for 54% of BCRs. An IGKV3-15/IGKJ1-encoded stereotyped sequence homologous to WA RF accounted for 23% of BCRs. LPDs expressing KCDR3s homologous to anti-HCV E2 antibodies responded more frequently to the eradication of HCV by antiviral therapy (6/6 vs. 1/6; p = 0.015). These findings, although limited by the small sample size, suggest that a stereotyped KCDR3 may predominantly shape anti-HCV specificity of BCRs, possibly providing a signature that may help identifying bona fide HCV-dependent LPDs.
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15
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Burnett DL, Reed JH, Christ D, Goodnow CC. Clonal redemption and clonal anergy as mechanisms to balance B cell tolerance and immunity. Immunol Rev 2019; 292:61-75. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. Burnett
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research Darlinghurst NSW Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School UNSW Sydney Darlinghurst NSW Australia
| | - Joanne H. Reed
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research Darlinghurst NSW Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School UNSW Sydney Darlinghurst NSW Australia
| | - Daniel Christ
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research Darlinghurst NSW Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School UNSW Sydney Darlinghurst NSW Australia
| | - Christopher C. Goodnow
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research Darlinghurst NSW Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School UNSW Sydney Darlinghurst NSW Australia
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16
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Maibom-Thomsen SL, Trier NH, Holm BE, Hansen KB, Rasmussen MI, Chailyan A, Marcatili P, Højrup P, Houen G. Immunoglobulin G structure and rheumatoid factor epitopes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217624. [PMID: 31199818 PMCID: PMC6568389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are important for immunity and exist in several classes (IgM, IgD, IgA, IgG, IgE). They are composed of symmetric dimeric molecules with two antigen binding regions (Fab) and a constant part (Fc), usually depicted as Y-shaped molecules. Rheumatoid factors found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are autoantibodies binding to IgG and paradoxically appear to circulate in blood alongside with their antigen (IgG) without reacting with it. Here, it is shown that rheumatoid factors do not react with native IgG in solution, and that their epitopes only become accessible upon certain physico-chemical treatments (e.g. heat treatment at 57 °C), by physical adsorption on a hydrophobic surface or by antigen binding. Moreover, chemical cross-linking in combination with mass spectrometry showed that the native state of IgG is a compact (closed) form and that the Fab parts of IgG shield the Fc region and thereby control access of rheumatoid factors and presumably also some effector functions. It can be inferred that antibody binding to pathogen surfaces induces a conformational change, which exposes the Fc part with its effector sites and rheumatoid factor epitopes. This has strong implications for understanding antibody structure and physiology and necessitates a conceptual reformulation of IgG models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Hartwig Trier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Autoimmunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bettina Eide Holm
- Department of Autoimmunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Beth Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Autoimmunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Ib Rasmussen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anna Chailyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Paolo Marcatili
- Department of Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Højrup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Autoimmunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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