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Rojas M, Herrán M, Ramírez-Santana C, Leung PSC, Anaya JM, Ridgway WM, Gershwin ME. Molecular mimicry and autoimmunity in the time of COVID-19. J Autoimmun 2023; 139:103070. [PMID: 37390745 PMCID: PMC10258587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are commonly implicated as potential initiators of autoimmune diseases (ADs) and represent the most commonly known factor in the development of autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. Epidemiological data and animal studies on multiple ADs suggest that molecular mimicry is one of the likely mechanisms for the loss of peripheral tolerance and the development of clinical disease. Besides molecular mimicry, other mechanisms such as defects in central tolerance, nonspecific bystander activation, epitope-determinant spreading, and/or constant antigenic stimuli, may also contribute for breach of tolerance and to the development of ADs. Linear peptide homology is not the only mechanism by which molecular mimicry is established. Peptide modeling (i.e., 3D structure), molecular docking analyses, and affinity estimation for HLAs are emerging as critical strategies when studying the links of molecular mimicry in the development of autoimmunity. In the current pandemic, several reports have confirmed an influence of SARS-CoV-2 on subsequent autoimmunity. Bioinformatic and experimental evidence support the potential role of molecular mimicry. Peptide dimensional analysis requires more research and will be increasingly important for designing and distributing vaccines and better understanding the role of environmental factors related to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.
| | - María Herrán
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Ramírez-Santana
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Juan-Manuel Anaya
- Health Research and Innovation Center at Coosalud, Cartagena, 130001, Colombia
| | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Zeng H, Cai M, Xue H, Xie W, Long X. Prevalence and coagulation correlation of anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with COVID-19. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31040. [PMID: 36254008 PMCID: PMC9575396 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine prevalence and characteristics of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLs) and its correlations with laboratory coagulation variables in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We retrospectively analyzed the prevalence of serum ACLs and its correlation with coagulative laboratory variables in 87 patients with COVID-19. ACLs were detected in 13/21 (61.91%) critically ill patients, and 21/66 (31.82%) in non-critically ill patients. For ACLs, IgA, and IgG were the most common types. The prevalence of IgG in critical ill patients was much higher than that in non-critical patients with odd ratio = 2.721. And the levels of all isotypes of ACLs in critically ill patients were much higher than those in non-critically ill patients. Correlation analysis showed that activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time had weak correlation with ACLs-IgG (R = 0.308, P = .031; R = 0.337, P = .018, respectively). Only the prevalence of ACLs-IgG shows a significant difference when compared critically ill patients with non-critically ill patients. ACLs do not seem to have a clear correlation with thrombosis occurred in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zeng
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meihong Cai
- Department of Dermatology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Han Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinghua Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * Correspondence: Xinghua Long, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China (e-mail: )
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Ribeiro SLE, Pereira HLA, Boechat AL, Silva NP, Sato EI, das Graças Souza Cunha M, de Souza Passos LF, Dos-Santos MC. Epidemiological, clinical and immune factors that influence the persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies in leprosy. Adv Rheumatol 2019; 59:52. [PMID: 31779703 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-019-0094-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are described in individuals with leprosy without the clinical features of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a condition involving thromboembolic phenomena. We have described the persistence of these antibodies for over 5 years in patients with leprosy after specific treatment. OBJECTIVES To determine whether epidemiological, clinical and immunological factors played a role in the long-term persistence of aPL antibodies in leprosy patients after multidrug therapy (MDT) had finished. METHODS The study sample consisted of 38 patients with a diagnosis of leprosy being followed up at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Department at the Alfredo da Matta Foundation (FUAM) in Manaus, AM. ELISA was used to detect anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies. Patients were reassessed on average of 5 years after specific treatment for the disease (MDT) had been completed. RESULTS Persistence of aPL antibodies among the 38 leprosy patients was 84% (32/38), and all had the IgM isotype. Mean age was 48.1 ± 15.9 years, and 23 (72.0%) were male. The lepromatous form (LL) of leprosy was the most common (n = 16, 50%). Reactional episodes were observed in three patients (9.4%). Eighteen (47.37%) were still taking medication (prednisone and/or thalidomide). Mean IgM levels were 64 U/mL for aCL and 62 U/mL for anti-β2GPI. In the multivariate binary logistic regression the following variables showed a significant association: age (p = 0.045, OR = 0.91 and CI 95% 0.82-0.98), LL clinical presention (p = 0.034; OR = 0.02 and CI 95% = 0.0-0.76) and bacterial index (p = 0.044; OR = 2.74 and CI 95% = 1.03-7.33). We did not find association between prednisone or thalidomide doses and positivity for aPL (p = 0.504 and p = 0.670, respectively). No differences in the variables vascular thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity, diabetes, smoking and alcoholism were found between aPL-positive and aPL-negative patients. CONCLUSION Persistence of positivity for aPL antibodies was influenced by age, clinical presentation and bacterial index. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the reason for this persistence, the role played by aPL antibodies in the disease and the B cell lineages responsible for generation of these antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lúcia Euzébio Ribeiro
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rua Afonso Pena, 1053, Praça 14, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
| | - Helena Lúcia Alves Pereira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rua Afonso Pena, 1053, Praça 14, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Antonio Luiz Boechat
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Amazonas, Immunochemistry Laboratory, Av General Rodrigo Otavio, 6200 Coroado I, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
| | - Neusa Pereira Silva
- Division of Rheumatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emilia Ionue Sato
- Division of Rheumatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Fernando de Souza Passos
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rua Afonso Pena, 1053, Praça 14, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Dos-Santos
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Amazonas, Immunochemistry Laboratory, Av General Rodrigo Otavio, 6200 Coroado I, Manaus, AM, Brazil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Infections play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AID). Several bacterial and viral pathogens play a double role, as both inducers and inhibitors of AID. In this review, we will present current evidence and discuss different aspects of this notion. RECENT FINDINGS Infectors that both inhibit and induce AID include Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, hepatitis B virus, group B Coxsackieviruses, Epstein-Barr virus and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Numerous AID are affected by infections, including polyarteritis nodosa, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes. Some pathogens, such as group B Coxsackieviruses, may induce and inhibit the development of the same AID. This reveals a complex role of infections in autoimmunity pathogenesis. SUMMARY Elucidating the exact role of each pathogen on each specific AID is important, as this will enable evaluating the manipulation of these infections in the treatment of AID.
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Role of Infectious Diseases in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Including Its Catastrophic Variant). Curr Rheumatol Rep 2018; 20:62. [PMID: 30123926 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-018-0773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the development of thrombotic events and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). An infectious etiology for this syndrome has been postulated. The present review is aimed to summarize recent evidence about the role of infections and vaccines in the pathogenesis of the APS (including its catastrophic variant). RECENT FINDINGS There is an increased risk of developing aPL in various infections, particularly in viral infections. The most frequent infection related to aPL has been hepatitis C virus. These antibodies may be associated with thromboembolic events, including catastrophic APS. There is a link between vaccinations, such as the tetanus toxoid and aPL, due to molecular mimicry between the two molecules. Accumulated evidence supports that the presence of aPL is associated with a variety of infections, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and the main mechanism to explain this correlation is molecular mimicry. Moreover, a link between vaccinations, such as the tetanus toxoid, and APS has also been described.
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Abdel-Wahab N, Talathi S, Lopez-Olivo MA, Suarez-Almazor ME. Risk of developing antiphospholipid antibodies following viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lupus 2017; 27:572-583. [PMID: 28945149 DOI: 10.1177/0961203317731532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk of developing elevated antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies and related thromboembolic and/or pregnancy events following a viral infection. Method We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed ePubs, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2016. Independent observational studies of elevated aPL antibodies in patients with a viral infection compared with controls or patients with lupus were included. Results We analyzed 73 publications for 60 studies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were most commonly reported. Compared with healthy controls, patients with HIV were more likely to develop elevated anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies (risk ratio (RR) 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6-19.4), as were those with HCV (RR 6.3, 95% CI 3.9-10.1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) (RR 4.2, 95% CI 1.8-9.5), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (RR 10.9 95% CI 5.4-22.2). The only statistically significant increased risk for anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2-GPI) antibodies was observed in patients with HCV (RR 4.8 95% CI 1.0-22.3). Compared with patients with lupus, patients with HIV were more likely to develop elevated aCL antibodies (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.6), and those with EBV, elevated anti-β2-GPI antibodies (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.9). Thromboembolic events were most prevalent in patients with elevated aPL antibodies who had HCV (9.1%, 95% CI 3.0-18.1), and HBV (5.9%, 95% CI 2.0-11.9) infections, and pregnancy events were most prevalent in those with parvovirus B19 (16.3%, 95% CI 0.78-45.7). However, compared to virus-infected patients with negative aPL antibodies, the only statistically significant increased risk was observed in those with HCV and positive aPL. Conclusions Viral infection can increase the risk of developing elevated aPL antibodies and associated thromboembolic events. Results are contingent on the reported information.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abdel-Wahab
- 1 Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, The 4002 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA.,2 Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Assiut University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut, Egypt
| | - S Talathi
- 3 2011 Lincoln Medical Center , Weill Cornell Medical College, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - M A Lopez-Olivo
- 1 Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, The 4002 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - M E Suarez-Almazor
- 1 Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of General Internal Medicine, The 4002 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
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Guimarães LE, Baker B, Perricone C, Shoenfeld Y. Vaccines, adjuvants and autoimmunity. Pharmacol Res 2015; 100:190-209. [PMID: 26275795 PMCID: PMC7129276 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines and autoimmunity are linked fields. Vaccine efficacy is based on whether host immune response against an antigen can elicit a memory T-cell response over time. Although the described side effects thus far have been mostly transient and acute, vaccines are able to elicit the immune system towards an autoimmune reaction. The diagnosis of a definite autoimmune disease and the occurrence of fatal outcome post-vaccination have been less frequently reported. Since vaccines are given to previously healthy hosts, who may have never developed the disease had they not been immunized, adverse events should be carefully accessed and evaluated even if they represent a limited number of occurrences. In this review of the literature, there is evidence of vaccine-induced autoimmunity and adjuvant-induced autoimmunity in both experimental models as well as human patients. Adjuvants and infectious agents may exert their immune-enhancing effects through various functional activities, encompassed by the adjuvant effect. These mechanisms are shared by different conditions triggered by adjuvants leading to the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome). In conclusion, there are several case reports of autoimmune diseases following vaccines, however, due to the limited number of cases, the different classifications of symptoms and the long latency period of the diseases, every attempt for an epidemiological study has so far failed to deliver a connection. Despite this, efforts to unveil the connection between the triggering of the immune system by adjuvants and the development of autoimmune conditions should be undertaken. Vaccinomics is a field that may bring to light novel customized, personalized treatment approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Eça Guimarães
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Britain Baker
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Carlo Perricone
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Incumbent of the Laura Schwarz-kipp chair for research of autoimmune diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
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Ambrosino P, Lupoli R, Tarantino P, Di Minno A, Tarantino L, Di Minno MND. Viral hepatitis and anti-phospholipid antibodies positivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2015; 47:478-87. [PMID: 25835772 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-phospholipid antibodies positivity is associated with several clinical conditions, including infectious diseases. AIMS We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the association of hepatitis B and C with anti-phospholipid antibody positivity and with anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic complications. METHODS Studies evaluating the association of viral hepatitis with anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I and lupus anticoagulant antibodies and anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic events were systematically searched. RESULTS 20 studies (2319 cases, 1901 controls) were included. The analyses showed that viral hepatitis is associated with the presence of anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies. The association with anticardiolipin antibodies was confirmed in both hepatitis B (OR 11.22, 95% CI: 6.68-18.84) and hepatitis C (OR 11.26, 95% CI: 6.82-18.59). Similarly, compared to controls, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies were found more frequently in hepatitis B (OR 14.07, 95% CI: 3.06-64.66) and hepatitis C (OR 5.64, 95% CI: 1.69-18.77). Moreover, 11 studies (257 cases, 1079 controls) showed a higher prevalence of venous and/or arterial thrombosis in patients with hepatitis and anti-cardiolipin antibody positivity compared hepatitis alone (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.79-6.07). This result was consistently confirmed in hepatitis C (OR 3.64, 95% CI: 1.78-7.46) but not in hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS Viral hepatitis is significantly associated with anti-phospholipid antibody positivity and with anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Ambrosino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lupoli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luciano Tarantino
- Department of Surgery, Interventional Hepatology Unit, Andrea Tortora Hospital, Pagani, Italy
| | - Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy; Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology in Cardiovascular Diseases, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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Blank M, Israeli E, Shoenfeld Y. When APS (Hughes syndrome) met the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). Lupus 2012; 21:711-4. [PMID: 22635209 DOI: 10.1177/0961203312438115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination of healthy individuals is the most effective approach to protect the public from infections and prevent the spread of many infectious diseases all over the globe. Licensed vaccines are mostly safe, but in rare cases they may be associated with humoral response to self-antigens due to molecular mimicry, epitope spread, bystander activation or polyclonal triggering. Moreover, the clinical picture of autoimmune conditions following post-vaccination is rarer. Nevertheless, anecdotal case reports on the flare of autoimmune response with clinical manifestations were reported. Herein, we discuss this topic in relation to post-vaccination-induced antiphospholipid antibodies following tetanus toxoid vaccine, HBV and influenza associated in rare cases with antiphospholipid syndrome clinical manifestations. We will discuss the possible mechanisms which pertain to ASIA (Shoenfeld syndrome).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Blank
- Zabludowitz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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van Os GMA, Meijers JCM, Agar Ç, Seron MV, Marquart JA, Åkesson P, Urbanus RT, Derksen RHWM, Herwald H, Mörgelin M, D E Groot PG. Induction of anti-β2 -glycoprotein I autoantibodies in mice by protein H of Streptococcus pyogenes. J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9:2447-56. [PMID: 21985124 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the persistent presence of anti-β(2) -glycoprotein I (β(2) -GPI) autoantibodies. β(2) -GPI can exist in two conformations. In plasma it is a circular protein, whereas it adopts a fish-hook conformation after binding to phospholipids. Only the latter conformation is recognized by patient antibodies. β(2) -GPI has been shown to interact with Streptococcus pyogenes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential of S. pyogenes-derived proteins to induce anti-β(2) -GPI autoantibodies. METHODS AND RESULTS Four S. pyogenes surface proteins (M1 protein, protein H, streptococcal collagen-like protein A [SclA], and streptococcal collagen-like protein B [SclB]) were found to interact with β(2) -GPI. Only binding to protein H induces a conformational change in β(2) -GPI, thereby exposing a cryptic epitope for APS-related autoantibodies. Mice were injected with the four proteins. Only mice injected with protein H developed antibodies against the patient antibody-related epitope in domain I of β(2) -GPI. Patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by S. pyogenes who developed anti-protein H antibodies also generated anti-β(2) -GPI antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Our study has demonstrated that a bacterial protein can induce a conformational change in β(2) -GPI, resulting in the formation of antiβ(2) -GPI autoantibodies. This constitutes a novel mechanism for the formation of anti-β(2) -GPI autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M A van Os
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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