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Rangel SC, da Silva MD, da Silva AL, dos Santos JDMB, Neves LM, Pedrosa A, Rodrigues FM, Trettel CDS, Furtado GE, de Barros MP, Bachi ALL, Romano CM, Nali LHDS. Human endogenous retroviruses and the inflammatory response: A vicious circle associated with health and illness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057791. [PMID: 36518758 PMCID: PMC9744114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from ancient exogenous retroviral infections that have infected our ancestors' germline cells, underwent endogenization process, and were passed throughout the generations by retrotransposition and hereditary transmission. HERVs comprise 8% of the human genome and are critical for several physiological activities. Yet, HERVs reactivation is involved in pathological process as cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the multiple aspects of HERVs' role within the human genome, as well as virological and molecular aspects, and their fusogenic property. We also discuss possibilities of how the HERVs are possibly transactivated and participate in modulating the inflammatory response in health conditions. An update on their role in several autoimmune, inflammatory, and aging-related diseases is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Coelho Rangel
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Lopes da Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Melo Neves
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Pedrosa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, (3004-504), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Caio dos Santos Trettel
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Institute, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços – S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Paes de Barros
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Luis Lacerda Bachi
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP (LIM52), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Da Silva Nali
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Luiz Henrique Da Silva Nali, ;
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Khadjinova AI, Wang X, Laine A, Ukadike K, Eckert M, Stevens A, Bengtsson AA, Lood C, Mustelin T. Autoantibodies against the envelope proteins of endogenous retroviruses K102 and K108 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus correlate with active disease. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2022; 40:1306-1312. [PMID: 34665695 PMCID: PMC10695298 DOI: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/2kg1d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease characterised by elevated type I interferons reminiscent of anti-viral immunity, have expression of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) proviruses capable of producing envelope (Env) protein, as well as associated autoantibodies against the Env protein. METHODS ELISAs were conducted with recombinant Env protein and sera from SLE patients with active (n=60) or inactive (n=49) disease, healthy controls (n=47), other rheumatic disorders (n=59), as well as plasma from paediatric lupus patients with active (n=30) or inactive (n=30) disease, and 17 healthy children. Antibody reactivity was evaluated for correlations with clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients. Expression of HERV-K transcripts were profiled in SLE leukocytes by RNA-Seq. RESULTS Both adult and paediatric SLE patients had autoantibodies against HERV-K Env with higher titres than healthy controls or patients with Sjögren's syndrome, small- or large-vessel vasculitis, or psoriatic arthritis. Transcripts from only two HERV-K loci capable of producing Env, HERV-K102 and -K108, were detected among the 10 expressed loci in SLE patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal that HERV-K proviruses are expressed in SLE and that the HERV-K-encoded Env protein elicits an immune response in patients, particularly during active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia I Khadjinova
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaoxing Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda Laine
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kennedy Ukadike
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary Eckert
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anne Stevens
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, and Jansen Research and Development LLC, Malvern, PA, USA
| | | | - Christian Lood
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Koch BF. SARS-CoV-2 and human retroelements: a case for molecular mimicry? BMC Genom Data 2022; 23:27. [PMID: 35395708 PMCID: PMC8992427 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-022-01040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The factors driving the late phase of COVID-19 are still poorly understood. However, autoimmunity is an evolving theme in COVID-19’s pathogenesis. Additionally, deregulation of human retroelements (RE) is found in many viral infections, and has also been reported in COVID-19. Results Unexpectedly, coronaviruses (CoV) – including SARS-CoV-2 – harbour many RE-identical sequences (up to 35 base pairs), and some of these sequences are part of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes associated to COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, RE are expressed in healthy controls and human cells and become deregulated after SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing mainly changes in long interspersed nuclear element (LINE1) expression, but also in endogenous retroviruses. Conclusion CoV and human RE share coding sequences, which are targeted by antibodies in COVID-19 and thus could induce an autoimmune loop by molecular mimicry. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01040-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Florian Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Goethe University Hospital, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Wang X, Hefton A, Ni K, Ukadike KC, Bowen MA, Eckert M, Stevens A, Lood C, Mustelin T. Autoantibodies Against Unmodified and Citrullinated Human Endogenous Retrovirus K Envelope Protein in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl 2022; 49:26-35. [PMID: 34334364 PMCID: PMC8963793 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.201492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoantibodies against proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their relevance, if any, has remained unresolved. We revisited this question and tested if such autoantibodies may react with citrullinated epitopes on the envelope (Env) protein of HERV-K. METHODS Immunoblotting and ELISAs were conducted with unmodified Env protein and with Env citrullinated by protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). Sera from 100 patients with RA, plasma from 32 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and healthy adult and pediatric controls were included. Antibody reactivity was evaluated for correlations with clinical and laboratory variables of the patients. RESULTS We replicated and expanded upon published data suggesting that patients with RA or JIA have autoantibodies against HERV-K Env, some with high titers. Anti-HERV-K antibodies correlated with cigarette smoking and with circulating myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes indicative of nonapoptotic neutrophil cell death. Further, most of the patients with RA, but not those with JIA, had autoantibodies that reacted more strongly with Env that was citrullinated by PAD4. These anticitrullinated Env autoantibodies correlated with seropositivity and tended to be higher in patients with erosive disease. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that anti-HERV-K immunity is elevated in RA and JIA and may have a connection with pathogenic protein citrullination in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Wang
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amanda Hefton
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathryn Ni
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kennedy C. Ukadike
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael A. Bowen
- M.A. Bowen, PhD, Product and Process Development, Allogene Therapeutics, San Francisco, California
| | - Mary Eckert
- M. Eckert, BS, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anne Stevens
- A. Stevens, MD, Professor, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian Lood
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Ukadike KC, Mustelin T. Implications of Endogenous Retroelements in the Etiopathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Clin Med 2021; 10:856. [PMID: 33669709 PMCID: PMC7922054 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. While its etiology remains elusive, current understanding suggests a multifactorial process with contributions by genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors. A hypothesis that combines several of these factors proposes that genomic elements, the L1 retrotransposons, are instrumental in SLE pathogenesis. L1 retroelements are transcriptionally activated in SLE and produce two proteins, ORF1p and ORF2p, which are immunogenic and can drive type I interferon (IFN) production by producing DNA species that activate cytosolic DNA sensors. In addition, these two proteins reside in RNA-rich macromolecular assemblies that also contain well-known SLE autoantigens like Ro60. We surmise that cells expressing L1 will exhibit all the hallmarks of cells infected by a virus, resulting in a cellular and humoral immune response similar to those in chronic viral infections. However, unlike exogenous viruses, L1 retroelements cannot be eliminated from the host genome. Hence, dysregulated L1 will cause a chronic, but perhaps episodic, challenge for the immune system. The clinical and immunological features of SLE can be at least partly explained by this model. Here we review the support for, and the gaps in, this hypothesis of SLE and its potential for new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 750 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
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Mustelin T, Ukadike KC. How Retroviruses and Retrotransposons in Our Genome May Contribute to Autoimmunity in Rheumatological Conditions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:593891. [PMID: 33281822 PMCID: PMC7691656 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.593891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 200 human disorders include various manifestations of autoimmunity. The molecular events that lead to these diseases are still incompletely understood and their causes remain largely unknown. Numerous potential triggers of autoimmunity have been proposed over the years, but very few of them have been conclusively confirmed or firmly refuted. Viruses have topped the lists of suspects for decades, and it seems that many viruses, including those of the Herpesviridae family, indeed can influence disease initiation and/or promote exacerbations by a number of mechanisms that include prolonged anti-viral immunity, immune subverting factors, and mechanisms, and perhaps “molecular mimicry”. However, no specific virus has yet been established as being truly causative. Here, we discuss a different, but perhaps mechanistically related possibility, namely that retrotransposons or retroviruses that infected us in the past and left a lasting copy of themselves in our genome still can provoke an escalating immune response that leads to autoimmune disease. Many of these loci still encode for retroviral proteins that have retained some, or all, of their original functions. Importantly, these endogenous proviruses cannot be eliminated by the immune system the way it can eliminate exogenous viruses. Hence, if not properly controlled, they may drive a frustrated and escalating chronic, or episodic, immune response to the point of a frank autoimmune disorder. Here, we discuss the evidence and the proposed mechanisms, and assess the therapeutic options that emerge from the current understanding of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kennedy C Ukadike
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Talotta R, Atzeni F, Laska MJ. Therapeutic peptides for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a place in therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:845-867. [PMID: 32500750 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1777983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies in vitro and in vivo have identified several peptides that are potentially useful in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The rationale for their use lies in the cost-effective production, high potency, target selectivity, low toxicity, and a peculiar mechanism of action that is mainly based on the induction of immune tolerance. Three therapeutic peptides have entered clinical development, but they have yielded disappointing results. However, some subsets of patients, such as those with the positivity of anti-dsDNA antibodies, appear more likely to respond to these medications. AREAS COVERED This review evaluates the potential use of therapeutic peptides for SLE and gives an opinion on how they may offer advantages for SLE treatment. EXPERT OPINION Given their acceptable safety profile, therapeutic peptides could be added to agents traditionally used to treat SLE and this may offer a synergistic and drug-sparing effect, especially in selected patient populations. Moreover, they could temporarily be utilized to manage SLE flares, or be administered as a vaccine in subjects at risk. Efforts to ameliorate bioavailability, increase the half-life and prevent immunogenicity are ongoing. The formulation of hybrid compounds, like peptibodies or peptidomimetic small molecules, is expected to yield renewed treatments with a better pharmacologic profile and increased efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", University of Messina , Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera "Gaetano Martino", University of Messina , Messina, Italy
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Robinson MA, Nagurla SR, Noblitt TR, Almaghlouth NK, Al-rahamneh MM, Cashin LM. Falsely positive fourth generation ADVIA Centaur® HIV Antigen/Antibody Combo assay in the presence of autoimmune hepatitis type I (AIH). IDCases 2020; 21:e00886. [PMID: 32642434 PMCID: PMC7334457 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Scherl M, Posch U, Obermoser G, Ammann C, Sepp N, Ulmer H, Dierich MP, Stoiber H, Falkensammer B. Targeting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with antibodies derived from patients with connective tissue disease. Lupus 2016; 15:865-72. [PMID: 17211992 DOI: 10.1177/0961203306071405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the budding process, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquires several cellular proteins from the host. Thus, antibodies against self antigens found in sera patients with autoimmune disorders may cross react with host-derived or the HIV-specific proteins gp120 and gp41 on the viral envelope and probably neutralize HIV infection. To verify this hypothesis, 88 sera from HIV negative patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune disorders were analysed for cross reacting antibodies against HIV-1 by Western blot and FACS analysis indicating that antibodies cross-react with epitopes expressed on HIV infected or non-infected cells. Virus capture assays revealed that HIV-1IIIBwas directly recognized by 60% of sera from patients with autoimmune disorders. Sera were also tested in HIV neutralization assays with stimulated T cells. Reduction of the viral load by patient sera correlated with their reactivity in Western blot analysis. Complement further enhanced the reduction of viral titres, although no complement-mediated lysis was observed. These data suggest a possible protective role of auto-antibodies against HIV infection in lupus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Scherl
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria
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Trela M, Nelson PN, Rylance PB. The role of molecular mimicry and other factors in the association of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and autoimmunity. APMIS 2016; 124:88-104. [PMID: 26818264 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) have been implicated in autoimmune and other diseases. Molecular mimicry has been postulated as a potential mechanism of autoimmunity. Exogenous viruses have also been reported to be associated with the same diseases, as have genetic and environmental factors. If molecular mimicry were to be shown to be an initiating mechanism of some autoimmune diseases, then therapeutic options of blocking antibodies and peptides might be of benefit in halting diseases at the outset. Bioinformatic and molecular modelling techniques have been employed to investigate molecular mimicry and the evidence for the association of HERVs and autoimmunity is reviewed. The most convincing evidence for molecular mimicry is in rheumatoid arthritis, where HERV K-10 shares amino acid sequences with IgG1Fc, a target for rheumatoid factor. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an example of a condition associated with several autoantibodies, and several endogenous and exogenous viruses have been reported to be associated with the disease. The lack of a clear link between one virus and this condition, and the spectrum of clinical manifestations, suggests that genetic, environmental and the inflammatory response to a virus or viruses might also be major factors in the pathogenesis of lupus and other autoimmune conditions. Where there are strong associations between a virus and an autoimmune condition, such as in hepatitis C and cryoglobulinaemia, the use of bioinformatics and molecular modelling can also be utilized to help to understand the role of molecular mimicry in how HERVs might trigger disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Trela
- Immunology Research Group, Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Paul N Nelson
- Immunology Research Group, Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Paul B Rylance
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK
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Nelson P, Rylance P, Roden D, Trela M, Tugnet N. Viruses as potential pathogenic agents in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2014; 23:596-605. [PMID: 24763543 DOI: 10.1177/0961203314531637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Viral infections have been reported to be associated with the disease. A number of exogenous viruses have been linked to the pathogenesis of SLE, of which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has the most evidence of an aetiological candidate. In addition, human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), HRES-1, ERV-3, HERV-E 4-1, HERV-K10 and HERV-K18 have also been implicated in SLE. HERVs are incorporated into human DNA, and thus can be inherited. HERVs may trigger an autoimmune reaction through molecular mimicry, since homology of amino acid sequences between HERV proteins and SLE autoantigens has been demonstrated. These viruses can also be influenced by oestrogen, DNA hypomethylation, and ultraviolet light (UVB) exposure which have been shown to enhance HERV activation or expression. Viral infection, or other environmental factors, could induce defective apoptosis, resulting in loss of immune tolerance. Further studies in SLE and other autoimmune diseases are needed to elucidate the contribution of both exogenous and endogenous viruses in the development of autoimmunity. If key peptide sequences could be identified as molecular mimics between viruses and autoantigens, then this might offer the possibility of the development of blocking peptides or antibodies as therapeutic agents in SLE and other autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nelson
- 1Molecular Immunology Research Group, Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, UK
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Li YC, Yang F, Ji XY, Fang ZJ, Liu J, Wang Y. False Human Immunodeficiency Virus Test Results Associated with Rheumatoid Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 29:103-6. [DOI: 10.1016/s1001-9294(14)60036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Tugnet N, Rylance P, Roden D, Trela M, Nelson P. Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) and Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease: Is There a Link? Open Rheumatol J 2013; 7:13-21. [PMID: 23750183 PMCID: PMC3636489 DOI: 10.2174/1874312901307010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as RA and SLE, are caused by genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) may be triggers of autoimmune rheumatic disease. HERVs are fossil viruses that began to be integrated into the human genome some 30-40 million years ago and now make up 8% of the genome. Evidence suggests HERVs may cause RA and SLE, among other rheumatic diseases. The key mechanisms by which HERVS are postulated to cause disease include molecular mimicry and immune dysregulation. Identification of HERVs in RA and SLE could lead to novel treatments for these chronic conditions. This review summarises the evidence for HERVs as contributors to autoimmune rheumatic disease and the clinical implications and mechanisms of pathogenesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tugnet
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
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Kater L, Gmelig-Meyling FHJ, Derksen RHWM, Faille HB. Immunopathogenesis and Therapy of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03259309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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PBC: Animal Models of Cholangiopathies and Possible Endogenous Viral Infections. Int J Hepatol 2012; 2012:649290. [PMID: 22007316 PMCID: PMC3168943 DOI: 10.1155/2012/649290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is considered an autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts and its characteristic serologic marker, the anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA). Several factors were proposed to clarify the pathological and immunological mechanisms of PBC. Immunological reaction with a bacterial or a viral association was identified in the previous report, and it seems probable that PBC was thought to have such an etiology. The majority of patients with PBC was reported to have both RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry evidence of human betaretrovirus infection in lymph nodes or in 2008, the patient who developed PBC with high HIV viral load had an antiviral therapy and recovered. To understand the etiology of PBC associated with infection, several factors should be considered and especially animal models may be useful. In this paper, we introduce three typical animal models of PBC: the dominant-negative form of transforming growth factor-β receptor type II (dnTGFβRII) mouse, IL-2Rα(-/-) mouse and NOD.c3c4 mouse, are enumerated and described, and we discuss previous reports of viral infection associated with PBC and consider the etiology of PBC from our analysis of results in NOD.c3c4 mouse.
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Sipsas NV, Gamaletsou MN, Moutsopoulos HM. Is Sjögren's syndrome a retroviral disease? Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:212. [PMID: 21489323 PMCID: PMC3132012 DOI: 10.1186/ar3262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circumstantial evidence suggests that retroviruses play a role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome. Such evidence, derived from studies of patients with Sjögren's syndrome, includes the following: the presence of serum antibodies cross-reactive with retroviral Gag proteins; the occurrence of reverse transcriptase activity in salivary glands; the detection of retroviral antigens, retrovirus-like particles, or novel retroviral sequences in salivary glands; the occurrence of Sjögren's syndrome-like illnesses in patients having confirmed systematic infections with retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and human T lymphotropic virus type 1; and the beneficial effect of anti-retroviral treatment on the occurrence of HIV-1-associated sicca syndrome. Additional evidence is provided by animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos V Sipsas
- Pathophysiology Department, Laikon General Hospital and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens-11527, Greece.
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Shida S, Takahashi N, Fujishima N, Kameoka Y, Nara M, Fujishima M, Saitoh H, Tagawa H, Hirokawa M, Ichinohasama R, Sawada K. False-positive human immunodeficiency virus antibody test and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a patient with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Intern Med 2011; 50:2383-7. [PMID: 22001471 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 44-year-old woman was admitted with generalized lymphadenopathy, which was diagnosed as angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). The patient showed autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and a high antinuclear antibody titer. Moreover, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1/2 screening test using the particle agglutination method was reactive. After chemotherapy for AITL, the AIHA was eliminated, and the false-positive HIV results were no longer detected. Autoimmunity associated with AITL is the likely cause of the cross-reaction with HIV and the AIHA. It is important to recognize that the cross-reaction with HIV can be a potential complication in AITL as well as AIHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Shida
- Department of Hematology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genetic and environmental factors influence the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are proposed as a molecular link between the human genome and environmental factors, such as viruses, in lupus pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS The HRES-1 human ERV encodes a 28-kD nuclear autoantigen and a 24-kD small GTP-ase, termed HRES-1/Rab4. HRES-1/p28 is a target of cross-reactive antiviral antibodies, whereas HRES-1/Rab4 regulates the surface expression of CD4 via endosome recycling. The tat gene of HIV-1 induces the expression of HRES-1/Rab4, which in turn downregulates expression of CD4 and susceptibility to reinfection by HIV-1. HRES-1/Rab4 is overexpressed in lupus T cells where it correlates with increased recycling of CD4 and CD3 and contributes to downregulation of CD3/TCRzeta via lysosomal degradation. Chilblain lupus has been linked to the deficiency of 3'-5' repair exonuclease Trex1 that metabolizes DNA reverse-transcribed from ERV. Trex1 deficiency or blocked integration of ERV-encoded DNA also promotes lupus in murine models. SUMMARY ERV proteins may trigger lupus through structural and functional molecular mimicry, whereas the accumulation of ERV-derived nucleic acids stimulates interferon and anti-DNA antibody production in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Perl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
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Abstract
A 30-year-old female patient presented to us with erythema over the face and raised hyperpigmented, scaly skin lesions, mainly over photo-exposed parts, of about 5-month duration. Based on her clinical features and initial laboratory finding, we considered the possibility of a connective tissue disease. On further follow-up, she was found to be human immunodeficiency virus positive (confirmed by Western blot).
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Affiliation(s)
- Feroze Kaliyadan
- Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala, India.
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Cho K, Chiu S, Lee YK, Greenhalgh D, Nemzek J. EXPERIMENTAL POLYMICROBIAL PERITONITIS-ASSOCIATED TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF MURINE ENDOGENOUS RETROVIRUSES. Shock 2009; 32:147-58. [DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e31819721ae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOGENOUS RETROVIRUSES ASSOCIATED WITH POSTINJURY STRESS SIGNALS IN LYMPHOID TISSUES. Shock 2009; 32:80-8. [DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e31818bc193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Perl A, Nagy G, Koncz A, Gergely P, Fernandez D, Doherty E, Telarico T, Bonilla E, Phillips PE. Molecular mimicry and immunomodulation by the HRES-1 endogenous retrovirus in SLE. Autoimmunity 2008; 41:287-97. [PMID: 18432409 PMCID: PMC5294745 DOI: 10.1080/08916930802024764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors are believed to influence development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Endogenous retroviruses (ERV) correspond to the integrated proviral form of infectious retroviruses, which are trapped within the genome due to mutations. ERV represent a key molecular link between the host genome and infectious viral particles. ERV-encoded proteins are recognized by antiviral immune responses and become targets of autoreactivity. Alternatively, ERV protein may influence cellular processes and the life cycle of infectious viruses. As examples, the HRES-1 human ERV encodes a 28-kDa nuclear autoantigen and a 24-kDa small GTP-ase, termed HRES-1/Rab4. HRES-1/p28 is a nuclear autoantigen recognized by cross-reactive antiviral antibodies, while HRES-1/Rab4 regulates surface expression of CD4 and the transferrin receptor (TFR) through endosome recycling. Expression of HRES-1/Rab4 is induced by the tat gene of HIV-1, which in turn down-regulates expression of CD4 and susceptibility to re-infection by HIV-1. CD4 and the TFR play essential roles in formation of the immunological synapse (IS) during normal T-cell activation by a cognate MHC class II peptide complex. The key intracellular transducer of T-cell activation, Lck, is brought to the IS via binding to CD4. T-cell receptorzeta (TCRzeta) chain binds to the TFR. Abnormal T-cell responses in SLE have been associated with reduced lck and TCRzeta chain levels. HRES-1 is centrally located on chromosome 1 at q42 relative to lupus-linked microsatellite markers and polymorphic HRES-1 alleles have been linked to the development of SLE. 1q42 is one of the three most common fragile sites in the human genome, and is inducible by DNA demethylation, a known mechanism of retroviral gene activation. Molecular mimicry and immunomodulation by a ERV, such as HRES-1, may contribute to self-reactivity and abnormal T and B-cell functions in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Perl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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Identification of putative endogenous retroviruses actively transcribed in the brain. Virus Genes 2008; 36:439-47. [PMID: 18343986 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-008-0216-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Remnant proviral sequences in the genome resulting from the ancient germline infection of exogenous retroviruses are called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). The transcriptional activation of human ERVs (HERVs) in the brain of patients with some neurologic diseases suggests that ERVs may participate in certain disease processes in the central nervous system. In this study, we identified putative murine ERVs (MuERVs) which are transcriptionally active in the brain and characterized their biological properties to better understand the ERVs' roles in the brain pathophysiology. The brain and selective non-nervous tissues (heart, muscle, adrenal gland, and salivary gland) of female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to RT-PCR analyses of MuERV expression by amplifying the 3'-end U3 regions and full-length/subgenomic transcripts. The expression patterns of the U3 regions and subgenomic transcripts in the brain were unique compared to the other tissues as well as the genomic MuERV profile. Two putative MuERVs (8,027 and 5,668 bp) were mapped on the mouse genome (chromosome 10, and chromosomes 4 and 8, respectively) using the MuERV U3 sequences, which were evidently expressed in the brain, as probes. Biological properties of these putative MuERVs, such as transcription potential, primer binding site, coding potential, integration age, recombination, and flanking host genes, were characterized. In particular, one of the two putative MuERV isolates had coding potentials for intact group specific antigen (gag), and truncated polymerase (pol) and envelope (env) polypeptides, while the other was defective for all three polypeptides. The findings from this study suggest that a specific group of MuERVs are constitutively expressed in the brain and they may participate in normal and pathogenic events pertaining to the brain through their replication gene products (e.g., gag and env polypeptides) as well as interactions with flanking host genes.
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Voisset C, Weiss RA, Griffiths DJ. Human RNA "rumor" viruses: the search for novel human retroviruses in chronic disease. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2008; 72:157-96, table of contents. [PMID: 18322038 PMCID: PMC2268285 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00033-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses are an important group of pathogens that cause a variety of diseases in humans and animals. Four human retroviruses are currently known, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1, which causes AIDS, and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1, which causes cancer and inflammatory disease. For many years, there have been sporadic reports of additional human retroviral infections, particularly in cancer and other chronic diseases. Unfortunately, many of these putative viruses remain unproven and controversial, and some retrovirologists have dismissed them as merely "human rumor viruses." Work in this field was last reviewed in depth in 1984, and since then, the molecular techniques available for identifying and characterizing retroviruses have improved enormously in sensitivity. The advent of PCR in particular has dramatically enhanced our ability to detect novel viral sequences in human tissues. However, DNA amplification techniques have also increased the potential for false-positive detection due to contamination. In addition, the presence of many families of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) within our DNA can obstruct attempts to identify and validate novel human retroviruses. Here, we aim to bring together the data on "novel" retroviral infections in humans by critically examining the evidence for those putative viruses that have been linked with disease and the likelihood that they represent genuine human infections. We provide a background to the field and a discussion of potential confounding factors along with some technical guidelines. In addition, some of the difficulties associated with obtaining formal proof of causation for common or ubiquitous agents such as HERVs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Voisset
- CNRS-UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille et Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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Genome-wide changes in expression profile of murine endogenous retroviruses (MuERVs) in distant organs after burn injury. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:440. [PMID: 18045489 PMCID: PMC2241634 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/28/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that burn-elicited stress signals alter expression of certain murine endogenous retroviruses (MuERVs) in distant organs of mice. These findings suggest that MuERVs may participate in a network of pathophysiologic events during post-burn systemic response. To gain a better understanding of the biological roles of MuERVs in post-burn systemic response, we examined the genome-wide changes in the MuERV expression profiles in distant organs and the biological properties of the putative-burn related MuERVs were characterized. Results Female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to an approximately 18 % total body surface area flame burn and tissues (liver, lung, and kidney) were harvested at 3 hours and 24 hours after injury. The changes in the MuERV expression profiles in these tissues were examined by RT-PCR using a primer set flanking the non-ecotropic MuERV U3 promoter region within the 3' long terminal repeat. There were differential changes in the expression profiles of MuERV U3 regions after injury in all three tissues examined. Subsequently, a total of 31 unique U3 promoter sequences were identified from the tissues of both burn and no burn mice. An analysis of viral tropisms revealed that putative MuERVs harboring these U3 promoter sequences were presumed to be either xenotropic or polytropic. Some putative transcription regulatory elements were present predominantly in U3 promoter sequences isolated from burn and no burn mice, respectively. In addition, in silico mapping using these U3 sequences as a probe against the mouse genome database identified 59 putative MuERVs. The biological properties (coding potentials for retroviral polypeptides, primer binding sites, tropisms, branching ages, recombination events, and neighboring host genes) of each putative MuERV were characterized. In particular, 16 putative MuERVs identified in this study retained intact coding potentials for all three retroviral polypeptides (gag, pol, and env). None of the putative MuERVs identified in this study were mapped to the coding sequences of host genes. Conclusion In this study, we identified and characterized putative MuERVs whose expression might be altered in response to burn-elicited systemic stress signals. Further investigation is needed to understand the role of these MuERVs in post-burn systemic pathogenesis, in particular, via characterization of their interaction with host genes, MuERV gene products, and viral activities.
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Guan M. Frequency, causes, and new challenges of indeterminate results in Western blot confirmatory testing for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:649-59. [PMID: 17409223 PMCID: PMC1951092 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00393-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guan
- MP Biomedicals Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., 85 Science Park Drive No. 04-01, Singapore Science Park, Singapore 118259, Republic of Singapore.
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28
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Piotrowski PC, Duriagin S, Jagodzinski PP. Expression of human endogenous retrovirus clone 4-1 may correlate with blood plasma concentration of anti-U1 RNP and anti-Sm nuclear antibodies. Clin Rheumatol 2005; 24:620-4. [PMID: 16012778 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-005-1123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2004] [Revised: 02/22/2005] [Accepted: 02/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The transcription of human endogenous retrovirus E (HERV-E) clone 4-1 was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the contribution of HERV-E clone 4-1 expression in the development of SLE remains unclear. Blood plasma and PBMC from 55 patients with SLE and a control group of 35 healthy individuals were collected. Blood plasma concentration of five antinuclear antibodies including anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), anti-Sm, anti-Scl-70, anti-single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total RNA was isolated from PBMC and reverse transcribed into cDNA. The number of copies of HERV-E clone 4-1 gag transcript in PBMC was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) analysis. Spearman statistical analysis indicated that blood plasma concentrations of anti-U1 RNP and anti-Sm antibodies may correlate with PBMC transcript levels of HERV-E clone 4-1 gag sequence (R = 0.775, p < 0.000001; R = 0.698, p < 0.000001, respectively). Our observations suggest that the expression of HERV-E clone 4-1 might be associated with production of anti-U1 RNP and anti-Sm antibodies in patients with SLE.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antibodies, Antinuclear
- Autoantigens/immunology
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Endogenous Retroviruses/genetics
- Endogenous Retroviruses/immunology
- Female
- Gene Products, gag/genetics
- Humans
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/blood
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear/immunology
- Transcriptional Activation
- snRNP Core Proteins
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Molès JP, Tesniere A, Guilhou JJ. A new endogenous retroviral sequence is expressed in skin of patients with psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 2005; 153:83-9. [PMID: 16029331 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06555.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The origin of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving keratinocyte proliferation, immune disturbances and complex inheritance, remains unknown. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are part of the normal human genome and their participation in the pathogenesis of various human diseases with complex genetic traits has been proposed. A possible role of HERVs in the induction of psoriasis was suggested many years ago. However, to date no study has searched for HERV expression in psoriasis. OBJECTIVES To determine firstly, which HERV families are expressed in the psoriatic lesion and secondly, whether specific variants can be detected. METHODS HERV expression was analysed at the mRNA level after degenerated reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of retroviral pol sequences followed by sequencing. Screening for a specific variant was performed by RT-PCR on lesional and nonlesional psoriatic skin and compared with normal and atopic dermatitis skin. RESULTS We report the expression of three HERV families in psoriatic lesions, namely HERV-W, K and E. We then partially characterized a new endogenous retroviral variant, which was related to the ERV-9/HERV-W family. This sequence contains at least two open reading frames that could encode for a gag protein and a retroviral protease. The expression of this sequence was detected in 29 of 43 lesional psoriasis skin samples and rarely in normal (two of 21) or atopic dermatitis (three of 14) skin samples. CONCLUSIONS In psoriatic lesions, HERV sequences of the W, K and E families are expressed and a new variant of the ERV-9/HERV-W family has been characterized. The possible role of HERV-related sequences in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-P Molès
- Laboratoire de Dermatologie Moléculaire, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, 641 avenue du Doyen G. Giraud, 34093 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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Sander DM, Szabo S, Gallaher WR, Deas JE, Thompson JJ, Cao Y, Luo-Zhang H, Liu LG, Colmegna I, Koehler J, Espinoza LR, Alexander SS, Hart DJ, Tom DM, Fermin CD, Jaspan JJ, Kulakosky PC, Tenenbaum SA, Wilson RB, Garry RF. Involvement of human intracisternal A-type retroviral particles in autoimmunity. Microsc Res Tech 2005; 68:222-34. [PMID: 16276517 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies have linked retroviruses to various arthropathies and autoimmune diseases. Sjögren's syndrome (SS), a systemic autoimmune disease, is characterized by aggressive infiltration of lymphocytes into the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in destruction of the glands and dry mouth and eyes (sicca syndrome). The infiltrating lymphocytes in SS may become overtly malignant, and thus, the incidence of lymphoma is greatly increased in SS patients. A human intracisternal A-type retroviral particle type I (HIAP-I) has been isolated from persons with SS. HIAP-I shares a limited number of antigenic epitopes with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but is distinguishable from HIV by morphological, physical, and biochemical criteria. A substantial majority of patients with SS or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have serum antibodies to the proteins of this human retrovirus. Fewer than 3% of the normal blood donor population have antibodies to any HIAP-associated proteins. A second type of a human intracisternal A-type retrovirus, HIAP-II, was detected in a subset of patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL), an AIDS-like immunodeficiency disease. Most HIAP-II positive ICL patients were also antinuclear antibody positive. Reviewed here are additional studies from several laboratories suggesting that HIAP or related viruses may be involved in SLE and other autoimmune conditions. Additionally, results of comprehensive surveys of autoimmune patients to determine seroreactivity to HIAP, and other human retroviruses, including HIV and human T-lymphotropic virus type I, are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Sander
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Nelson PN, Hooley P, Roden D, Davari Ejtehadi H, Rylance P, Warren P, Martin J, Murray PG. Human endogenous retroviruses: transposable elements with potential? Clin Exp Immunol 2004; 138:1-9. [PMID: 15373898 PMCID: PMC1809191 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2004.02592.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2004] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are a significant component of a wider family of retroelements that constitute part of the human genome. These viruses, perhaps representative of previous exogenous retroviral infection, have been integrated and passed through successive generations within the germ line. The retention of HERVs and isolated elements, such as long-terminal repeats, could have the potential to harm. In this review we describe HERVs within the context of the family of known transposable elements and survey these viruses in terms of superantigens and molecular mimics. It is entirely possible that these mechanisms provide the potential for undesired immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- P N Nelson
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, UK.
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Bessis D, Molès JP, Basset-Séguin N, Tesniere A, Arpin C, Guilhou JJ. Differential expression of a human endogenous retrovirus E transmembrane envelope glycoprotein in normal, psoriatic and atopic dermatitis human skin. Br J Dermatol 2004; 151:737-45. [PMID: 15491412 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of keratinocytes and recruitment of T lymphocytes into the skin. The possible role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in the induction of psoriasis has been suggested, based upon the previous observations of retrovirus-like particles in psoriasis from skin lesional plaques, urine and stimulated lymphocytes. OBJECTIVES To investigate the expression of HERV-E transmembrane envelope glycoprotein (HERV-E env) in normal, psoriatic and atopic human skin, and to examine the influence of ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation on HERV-E env expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. METHODS The analysis was performed on both skin biopsies and organotypic skin cultures using immunofluorescence and Western immunoblotting. UVB irradiation (312 nm) of cultured normal human keratinocytes was performed using a dose of 30 mJ cm(-2). RESULTS Positive staining was observed in most of the psoriatic and atopic skin samples, whereas only 15% of the normal skin samples were faintly positive. In addition, the pattern of expression of HERV-E env differed markedly in psoriasis vs. atopy. By Western blotting analysis, two main proteins of 54 and 57 kDa were detected in extracts of normal skin, normal keratinocyte cultures and reconstructed epidermis from psoriatic and normal punch biopsies. An increased level of expression of these proteins was noted in extracts from psoriatic vs. normal reconstructed epidermis. The overexpression of the 57-kDa protein in normal human cultured keratinocytes was dramatically reduced by UVB irradiation. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest for the first time that HERV-E env is expressed in normal and pathological human skin. Further studies are now required to elucidate the role of such viral proteins in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bessis
- Laboratoire de Dermatologie Moléculaire, Université Montpellier, Institut Universitaire de Recherche Clinique, 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34093 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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Prokop J, Jagodzinski PP. Identification of retroviral conserved pol sequences in serum of mixed connective tissue disease and systemic sclerosis patients. Biomed Pharmacother 2004; 58:61-4. [PMID: 14739063 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2003.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) expression has been suspected as a factor participating in the development of autoimmune diseases. Employing the dot blot hybridisation, we observed that 90.9% of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (n = 22) patients exhibited the presence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) conserved pol sequence in DNA isolated from serum. The same investigation conducted in the group of systemic sclerosis (SSc) (n = 79) patients identified a conserved retroviral pol sequence in 34.6% of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positive (n = 52) and 40.7% of ANA negative (n = 27) patients. However, 100% of anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) positive SSc (n = 9) patients exhibited the presence of HIV-1 conserved pol sequence. Our findings suggest that the presence of retroviral sequence in serum of MCTD and SSc patients may correlate with development of autoimmune response directed against U1-70 kDa polypeptide antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Prokop
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Muta T, Yamano Y. Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma associated with an antibody to human immunodeficiency virus protein. Int J Hematol 2003; 78:160-2. [PMID: 12953812 DOI: 10.1007/bf02983386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A 58-year-old man was admitted with generalized lymphadenopathy. On admission, the patient showed polyclonal hyper-gammopathy in a blood examination, positive results in the direct/indirect Coombs test, and an elevated cold agglutinin titer. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia with a high level of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G complicated the patient's condition. An enzyme immunoassay kit for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) recombinant proteins p24, gp41, and gp36 showed positive results. Western blot analysis showed the presence of antibodies cross-reacting with HIV p24 gag protein. HIV RNA was not detected by means of a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay, so the patient was not an HIV carrier. Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AILT) was diagnosed on the basis of lymph node biopsy specimens. We speculated that in this case some of the numerous subtypes of polyclonal gamma globulin had coincidentally cross-reacted with HIV p24. Cross-reactive phenomena with HIV in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have been well investigated, but to our knowledge our patient is the first case of such cross-reactivity involving AILT. Physicians should pay close attention to serologic tests to determine whether the patient truly is a viral carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Muta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu Kosei-Nenkin Hospital, Kitakyushu City, Japan.
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Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) correspond to the integrated proviral form of infectious retroviruses that are trapped within the genome by mutations. Endogenous retroviruses represent a key molecular link between the host genome and infectious viral particles. Proteins encoded by ERVs are recognized by antiviral immune responses and become targets of autoreactivity. Activation of ERVs, such as human ERV-K or a human T-cell lymphotropic virus-related endogenous sequence, may also mediate pathogenicity of Epstein-Barr virus. Endogenous retrovirus peptides can directly regulate immune responses. Thus, molecular mimicry and immunomodulation by ERVs may account for self-reactivity and abnormal T- and B-cell functions in autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Perl
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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Pichler R. Viruses and their roles in immune mediated disease: another piece to this complex puzzle. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2002; 35:597-9. [PMID: 12454571 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200211000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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38
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Beyer TD, Kolowos W, Dumitriu IE, Voll RE, Heyder P, Gaipl US, Kalden JR, Herrmann M. Apoptosis of the teratocarcinoma cell line Tera-1 leads to the cleavage of HERV-K10gag proteins by caspases and/or granzyme B. Scand J Immunol 2002; 56:303-9. [PMID: 12193232 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2002.01139.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Redistribution, post-translational modifications and coclustering with viral antigens contribute to the immunogenicity of apoptotic cell-derived autoantigens. Almost all known targets of the humoral autoimmune response in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are cleaved by caspases or granzyme B during apoptosis. Antibodies against retroviral proteins can frequently be detected in the sera of SLE patients without overt retroviral infections. These antibodies may represent cross-reactive antibodies or may have been induced by proteins encoded by endogenous retroviral sequences. We used Tera-1 cells that abundantly express a group-specific antigen of human endogenous retroviruses, HERV-K10gag polyprotein, to investigate its processing during apoptosis. Tera-1 cells induced to undergo apoptosis showed an altered HERV-K10gag processing compared with viable cells. In addition, granzyme B was able to cleave HERV-K10gag isolated from viable Tera-1 cells. Similar to nuclear autoantigens, endogenous retroviral proteins are cleaved during the execution phase of apoptosis. These post-translational modifications may result in the generation of T-cell neoepitopes or a changed epitope hierarchy of retroviral proteins. Therefore, immunogenicity of retroviral antigens in SLE patients may result from a similar mechanism as described for nuclear autoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Beyer
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Lipes J, Skamene E, Newkirk MM. The genotype of mice influences the autoimmune response to spliceosome proteins induced by cytomegalovirus gB immunization. Clin Exp Immunol 2002; 129:19-26. [PMID: 12100018 PMCID: PMC1906413 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2002.01899.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies we have established a link between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and an autoimmune response to the U1-70 k protein of the spliceosome in man. This autoimmune response, generally referred to as the anti-RNP (ribonucleoprotein) antibodies, is observed in about 30% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have also found that the CMV glycoprotein B (CMV gB) when expressed in a adenovirus vector (Ad) could induce a significant anti-U1-70 k antibody response in several strains of mice, such as C3H, MRL and BALB/c. In the present study we examined the autoimmune response induced by immunization with Ad-gB in A/J and C57BL/6 (B6) mice and determined whether there was any autoimmune phenotype similar to that observed in patients with SLE. Thus groups of A/J and B6 mice were immunized with Ad/gB or with Ad alone and then observed for possible skin or kidney disease. In addition the autoantibody response to the spliceosome was measured, and the target antigens identified by immunoblot techniques. All of the A/J mice mounted a very high IgG response primarily to the U1-70 k protein of the spliceosome, with evidence of a rapid spreading of the autoantibody response to other components of the complex. In contrast, B6 mice mounted only a very low titre autoantibody response and failed to show signs or symptoms of autoimmunity. The A/J but not the B6 mice were found to have deposits of IgG in their kidneys, which were consistent with abnormal levels of blood urea nitrogen in the A/J but not B6 mice. This study demonstrates the importance of the genetic background in the susceptibility to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lipes
- Department of Medicine, The McGill University Hospital Center Research Institute, The Montreal General Hospital, Canada
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40
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Herve CA, Lugli EB, Brand A, Griffiths DJ, Venables PJW. Autoantibodies to human endogenous retrovirus-K are frequently detected in health and disease and react with multiple epitopes. Clin Exp Immunol 2002; 128:75-82. [PMID: 11982593 PMCID: PMC1906363 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2002.01735.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have found increased levels of antibodies to human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. It is not clear whether this immune response is driven by the HERV itself or by cross-reactions with an exogenous virus or an autoantigen. To address this question, we examined the antibody response to the Env protein of two closely related members of the HERV-K family, HERV-K10 and IDDMK1,222. By immunoblotting of recombinant proteins, antibodies were found in 32-47% of 84 sera from patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease, and 29% of 35 normal controls. Epitope mapping with overlapping 15mers identified multiple reactive peptides on both antigens, with one (GKTCPKEIPKGSKNT) containing immunodominant epitope(s). By ELISA, the median titre of antibody to this peptide was significantly increased in 39 patients with SLE compared to 39 healthy controls and 86 patients with other rheumatic diseases (P < 0.003). We have shown that there is a high frequency of IgG antibodies to HERV-K env sequences in human sera, both in health and autoimmune rheumatic disease, and that the response is to multiple epitopes. This supports the hypothesis that the autoimmune response to HERV-K is antigen-driven and may be an early stage in the chain of events that leads to tolerance breakdown to other autoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Herve
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, London, UK.
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41
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Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an idiopathic inflammatory hepatic disorder characterized by granulomatous destruction of small bile ducts and formation of antimitochondrial antibodies. Having found that most patients with PBC have antibody reactivity to retroviral proteins, we recently cloned a retroviral sequence directly from biliary epithelium extracted from PBC livers. Further evidence for an infectious etiology of PBC has been derived from an in vitro model using normal biliary epithelial cells in culture with lymph node extracts from patients with chronic liver disease. In this model, biliary epithelial cells cocultivated with PBC lymph nodes developed a specific phenotype of PBC with immunohistochemical evidence of antimitochondrial antibody reactivity. This model has been used to show that patients with PBC harbor a transmissible agent that may be related to the cloned retrovirus. Pilot studies using antiretroviral treatment for patients with PBC have also supported the involvement of a retrovirus in the disease process. Because the antiretroviral therapy was tolerated without undue adverse events, a multicenter controlled trial is being established to determine whether patients with PBC derive significant benefit from this new line of investigation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mason
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Richard Freeman Research Institute, 1520 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
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42
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Adelman MK, Marchalonis JJ. Endogenous retroviruses in systemic lupus erythematosus: candidate lupus viruses. Clin Immunol 2002; 102:107-16. [PMID: 11846452 DOI: 10.1006/clim.2001.5153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear, there is substantial circumstantial evidence that the development of SLE is dependent on environmental, genetic, and retroviral factors. SLE patients produce high titer antibodies to various retroviral proteins, including Gag, Env, and Nef of HIV and HTLV, in the absence of overt retroviral infection. We review the factors linking HERVs to SLE and consider the various processes utilized by endogenous retroviruses in the etiopathogenesis of SLE. In particular, we consider the role of HTLV-1-related endogenous sequence (HRES-1) in SLE. We propose that molecular mimicry between HRES-1 and the small ribonucleoprotein complex initiates the production of autoantibodies, leading to immune complex formation, complement fixation, and pathological tissue deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda K Adelman
- Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
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Lefranc D, Dubucquoi S, Almeras L, De Seze J, Tourvieille B, Dussart P, Aubert JP, Vermersch P, Prin L. Molecular analysis of endogenous retrovirus HRES-1: identification of frameshift mutations in region encoding putative 28-kDa autoantigen. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 283:437-44. [PMID: 11327721 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A possible involvement of HTLV-1-related endogenous sequence 1 (HRES-1) in autoimmune diseases has been recently reported. In primate cells, PCRs and RT-PCRs using specific primers reveal the presence and the transcription of gag-related sequences. However antisera generated against selected HRES-1 peptides failed to detect a 28-kDa protein deduced from the translated gag ORF and described previously. Such discordant results led us to perform DNA cloning and sequencing of LTR- and gag-related nucleotidic fragments. Repeated sequence analyses on distinct samples revealed frameshift mutations in the gag and LTR ORFs. Our sequence analyses detected a stop codon in the gag-related ORF, which is inconsistent with the expression of a 28-kDa protein. Instead of the two ORFs previously found, our gag-related region contained three ORFs. One of them demonstrated higher nucleotidic and peptidic homologies with the p19 gag of HTLV-I. However, the molecular analyses of our new sequence did not show evidence of potent translation capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lefranc
- Department of Immunology-EA2686, Pôle Recherche, Place de Verdun, Lille Cedex, 59045, France.
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Ogasawara H, Hishikawa T, Sekigawa I, Hashimoto H, Yamamoto N, Maruyama N. Sequence analysis of human endogenous retrovirus clone 4-1 in systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmunity 2001; 33:15-21. [PMID: 11204249 DOI: 10.3109/08916930108994105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have emerged as a possible cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We previously detected serum antibodies to the gag region of HERV clone 4-1 in patients with SLE, but not in normal volunteers. In the present study, we detected clone 4-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SLE patients and performed sequence analysis of the cDNA or genomic DNA from clone 4-1 in these patients. Clone 4-1 mRNA was detected in all of the SLE patients tested, although it was not found in normal controls. Sequence analysis of clone 4-1 in these SLE patients revealed inactivation of the stop codons in part of the gag region. In addition, a computer search of current sequence libraries revealed that the clone 4-1 gag genomic DNA from SLE patients was more highly homologous with the clone 4-1 sequence in chromosome 11 from normal individuals when compared with the sequence of clone 4-1 integrated in the other chromosomes. It is possible that transcription of clone 4-1 from chromosome 11 occurs in SLE, and that the stop codon inactivation contributes to the translation of clone 4-1 gag proteins in patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ogasawara
- Department of Internal Medicine aind Rheumatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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45
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Sreekumar GP, Smyth JR, Ambady S, Ponce de Leon FA. Analysis of the effect of endogenous viral genes in the Smyth line chicken model for autoimmune vitiligo. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2000; 156:1099-107. [PMID: 10702426 PMCID: PMC1876847 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/1999] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Smyth line (SL) chicken, an animal model for autoimmune human vitiligo, is characterized by a spontaneous posthatch pigment loss, determined to be the result of an autoimmune phenomenon. Because endogenous virus (EV) genes have been reported to be associated with a number of autoimmune diseases of human and animal models, we designed this experiment to investigate the role of EV in the SL vitiligo by using the complete sequence of Rous-associated virus-2 as a probe for EV. An F(2) resource population was developed by the matings of SL and parental control (BL) chickens. Linkage disequilibrium between vitiligo and EV was apparent (16.2-kb SacI fragment, P = 0.05 and a 19-kb HindIII fragment, P = 0.03). Methylation analyses revealed that the EV and endogenous avian retroviral (EAV) genes were methylated in both the SL and BL sublines of chickens; therefore, methylation does not appear to be responsible for the differences in the expression of vitiligo between SL and BL sublines. Expression of the EV genes correlated with the disease in vitiliginous SL101 birds and also in 5-Azacytidine-induced vitiliginous BL101 parental control chickens. Only one EV locus was detected in the unrelated Light Brown Leghorn control chickens (1q14) by in situ hybridization, whereas 3 EV loci were identified in SL101 and BL101 chickens (1p25, 2q26, and an unidentifiable microchromosome). Our observations indicate that EV genes may play a role in the induction of autoimmune vitiligo in the SL chicken model.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Sreekumar
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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46
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47
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Ogasawara H, Kaneko H, Hishikawa T, Sekigawa I, Takasaki Y, Hashimoto H, Hirose S, Kaneko Y, Maruyama N. Molecular mimicry between human endogenous retrovirus clone 4-1 and HLA class I antigen with reference to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 1999; 38:1163-4. [PMID: 10556278 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/38.11.1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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48
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Hohenadl C, Germaier H, Walchner M, Hagenhofer M, Herrmann M, Stürzl M, Kind P, Hehlmann R, Erfle V, Leib-Mösch C. Transcriptional activation of endogenous retroviral sequences in human epidermal keratinocytes by UVB irradiation. J Invest Dermatol 1999; 113:587-94. [PMID: 10504445 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1999.00728.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation is a pathogenic factor in various diseases, e. g., autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosus. On the other hand, endogenous retroviruses are discussed as etiologic agents in lupus erythematosus. Therefore, we investigated the influence of ultraviolet irradiation on expression of human endogenous retroviral sequences and human endogenous retroviral sequence promoter-driven transcription of cellular genes using human epidermal keratinocytes as a model system. First, conserved sequences of endogenous retroviral pol genes were amplified from cellular mRNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with degenerate oligonucleotide primers. Polymerase chain reaction products were hybridized in a reverse dot blot hybridization assay to a representative number of distinct cloned human endogenous retroviral pol fragments. Using this method, we could show that irradiation with 30 mJ per cm2 ultraviolet B activates transcription of various endogenous retroviral pol sequences in primary epidermal keratinocytes as well as in a spontaneously immortalized keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Interestingly, some of these sequences were found to be closely related to pol sequences of human endogenous retroviral sequences which have been shown to be expressed in autoimmune patients. Analysis of human endogenous retroviral pol expression in vivo using skin biopsies of lupus erythematosus patients revealed similar activation patterns. In a second approach, ultraviolet B- induced chimeric transcripts were isolated which are initiated by human endogenous retroviral promoters and proceed into cellular sequences using a newly established modified differential display polymerase chain reaction technique. The activation of human endogenous retroviral sequence transcription by ultraviolet B may contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus erythematosus, where inappropriate antigenic presentation of ultraviolet B-induced viral and cellular proteins could stimulate autoantibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hohenadl
- Medical Clinic III, Faculty of Clinical Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Perl
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Health Science Center, College of Medicine, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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50
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Abstract
It has long been suggested that retroviral infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic disease. Particles resembling retroviruses have been reported in tissue from patients with Sjögren's syndrome, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and molecular mimicry between retroviral antigens and host proteins has been proposed as a mechanism of induction of autoimmunity. Since 1980, four distinct human infectious retroviruses have been discovered, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, HIV-1 and HIV-2. We recently cloned part of a new human retrovirus genome, designated human retrovirus-5 (HRV-5) and demonstrated that this is not endogenous and is therefore a novel infectious retrovirus. Because symptoms resembling arthritis, polymyositis and Sjögren's syndrome occur in individuals infected with HTLV-I and HIV-1, we investigated the possibility that HRV-5 was associated with idiopathic rheumatic disease. Using nested PCR, HRV-5 we demonstrated that proviral DNA was present in approximately 50% of synovial samples of arthritic joints and was also found in over 10% of blood samples of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. HRV-5 proviral DNA was not detectable in affected tissues of autoimmune diseases and was found in only one of over 200 tissues taken at autopsy from non-rheumatoid patients. Sequence analysis of the amplified viral segment showed genetic variation between samples with maintenance of the open reading frame typical of a replicating infectious retrovirus. Thus HRV-5 appears to be a human retrovirus found with a very low genome copy number in most tissues, but which is increased to detectable levels in inflamed joints and blood from patients with rheumatic disease. Whether HRV-5 is aetiologically important in these diseases remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Brand
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
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