Autoantigens

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Athanasios G Tzioufas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • toll like receptor 3 stimulation promotes ro52 trim21 synthesis and nuclear redistribution in salivary gland epithelial cells partially via type i interferon pathway
    Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Nikolaos C Kyriakidis, Efstathia K Kapsogeorgou, Vasiliki C Gourzi, O D Konsta, G E Baltatzis, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    Up-regulated expression of Ro52/tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), Ro60/TROVE domain family, member 2 (TROVE2) and lupus LA protein/Sjogren's syndrome antigen B (La/SSB) Autoantigens has been described in the salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). SGECs, the key regulators of autoimmune SS responses, express high levels of surface functional Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3, whereas Ro52/TRIM21 negatively regulates TLR-3-mediated inflammation. Herein, we investigated the effect of TLR-3-signalling on the expression of Ro52/TRIM21, as well as Ro60/TROVE2 and La/SSB Autoantigens, by SGECs. The effect of TLR-3 or TLR-4 stimulation on autoantigen expression was evaluated by polyI:C or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, respectively, of SGEC lines (10 from SS patients, 12 from non-SS controls) or HeLa cells, followed by analysis of mRNA and protein expression. PolyI:C, but not LPS, resulted in a two-step induction of Ro52/TRIM21 mRNA expression by SGECs, a 12-fold increment at 6 h followed by a 2·5-fold increment at 24–48 h, whereas it induced a late two-fold up-regulation of Ro60/TROVE2 and La/SSB mRNAs at 48 h. Although protein expression levels were not affected significantly, the late up-regulation of Ro52/TRIM21 mRNA was accompanied by protein redistribution, from nucleolar-like pattern to multiple coarse dots spanning throughout the nucleus. These late phenomena were mediated significantly by interferon (IFN)-β production, as attested by cognate secretion and specific inhibition experiments and associated with IFN regulatory factor (IRF)3 degradation. TLR-3-signalling had similar effects on SGECs obtained from SS patients and controls, whereas it did not affect the expression of these Autoantigens in HeLa cells. TLR-3 signalling regulates the expression of Autoantigens by SGECs, implicating innate immunity pathways in their over-expression in inflamed tissues and possibly in their exposure to the immune system.

  • Toll‐like receptor 3 stimulation promotes Ro52/TRIM21 synthesis and nuclear redistribution in salivary gland epithelial cells, partially via type I interferon pathway
    Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Nikolaos C Kyriakidis, Efstathia K Kapsogeorgou, Vasiliki C Gourzi, O D Konsta, G E Baltatzis, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    Up-regulated expression of Ro52/tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), Ro60/TROVE domain family, member 2 (TROVE2) and lupus LA protein/Sjogren's syndrome antigen B (La/SSB) Autoantigens has been described in the salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). SGECs, the key regulators of autoimmune SS responses, express high levels of surface functional Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3, whereas Ro52/TRIM21 negatively regulates TLR-3-mediated inflammation. Herein, we investigated the effect of TLR-3-signalling on the expression of Ro52/TRIM21, as well as Ro60/TROVE2 and La/SSB Autoantigens, by SGECs. The effect of TLR-3 or TLR-4 stimulation on autoantigen expression was evaluated by polyI:C or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, respectively, of SGEC lines (10 from SS patients, 12 from non-SS controls) or HeLa cells, followed by analysis of mRNA and protein expression. PolyI:C, but not LPS, resulted in a two-step induction of Ro52/TRIM21 mRNA expression by SGECs, a 12-fold increment at 6 h followed by a 2·5-fold increment at 24–48 h, whereas it induced a late two-fold up-regulation of Ro60/TROVE2 and La/SSB mRNAs at 48 h. Although protein expression levels were not affected significantly, the late up-regulation of Ro52/TRIM21 mRNA was accompanied by protein redistribution, from nucleolar-like pattern to multiple coarse dots spanning throughout the nucleus. These late phenomena were mediated significantly by interferon (IFN)-β production, as attested by cognate secretion and specific inhibition experiments and associated with IFN regulatory factor (IRF)3 degradation. TLR-3-signalling had similar effects on SGECs obtained from SS patients and controls, whereas it did not affect the expression of these Autoantigens in HeLa cells. TLR-3 signalling regulates the expression of Autoantigens by SGECs, implicating innate immunity pathways in their over-expression in inflamed tissues and possibly in their exposure to the immune system.

  • Autoimmune response and target Autoantigens in Sjogren’s syndrome
    European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2010
    Co-Authors: John G. Routsias, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (11): 1026–1036 Abstract Background  Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting mainly the Ro/La ribonucleoprotein complex. It is now appreciated that the production of autoantibodies is an antigen-driven immune response. Design  In this review, candidate mechanisms for autoantigen presentation and perpetuation of the autoimmune response within the autoimmune tissue lesion of pSS are discussed. Results  Several studies have shown that the epithelial cell in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome is activated, bearing characteristics of an antigen-presenting cell, as suggested by inappropriate expression of class II HLA and co-stimulatory molecules. Other studies have confirmed that in salivary glands, there is an increased autoantigen presentation via apoptotic blebs and bodies, exosomes and heat shock protein-mediated cross-priming. There is also an increased expression of interferon (IFN)-induced genes, such as the autoantigen Ro52, which provide negative feedback regulation in inflammation. Ro60 and La Autoantigens also appear to play a major role in the local autoimmune response in Sjogren’s syndrome. In this regard, La and Ro60 the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is upregulated in the affected salivary glands with different isoforms of La autoantigen mRNA to be expressed in patients with pSS. At the protein level, La/SSB in pSS salivary glands is found to be post-translationally modified. Conclusions  Autoantigen alterations in a microenvironment of local inflammation with increased in situ apoptosis, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and antigen presentation may drive the autoimmune response and local autoantibody production in pSS.

  • Autoimmune response and target Autoantigens in Sjogren's syndrome
    European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2010
    Co-Authors: John G. Routsias, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting mainly the Ro/La ribonucleoprotein complex. It is now appreciated that the production of autoantibodies is an antigen-driven immune response.\n\nDESIGN: In this review, candidate mechanisms for autoantigen presentation and perpetuation of the autoimmune response within the autoimmune tissue lesion of pSS are discussed.\n\nRESULTS: Several studies have shown that the epithelial cell in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome is activated, bearing characteristics of an antigen-presenting cell, as suggested by inappropriate expression of class II HLA and co-stimulatory molecules. Other studies have confirmed that in salivary glands, there is an increased autoantigen presentation via apoptotic blebs and bodies, exosomes and heat shock protein-mediated cross-priming. There is also an increased expression of interferon (IFN)-induced genes, such as the autoantigen Ro52, which provide negative feedback regulation in inflammation. Ro60 and La Autoantigens also appear to play a major role in the local autoimmune response in Sjogren's syndrome. In this regard, La and Ro60 the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is upregulated in the affected salivary glands with different isoforms of La autoantigen mRNA to be expressed in patients with pSS. At the protein level, La/SSB in pSS salivary glands is found to be post-translationally modified.\n\nCONCLUSIONS:  Autoantigen alterations in a microenvironment of local inflammation with increased in situ apoptosis, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and antigen presentation may drive the autoimmune response and local autoantibody production in pSS.

  • sjogren s syndrome study of Autoantigens and autoantibodies
    Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 2007
    Co-Authors: John G. Routsias, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    The presence of autoantibodies is the hallmark of systemic autoimmune diseases. During the past 30 years, intense clinical and basic research have dissected the clinical value of autoantibodies in many autoimmune diseases and offered new insights into a better understanding of the molecular and functional properties of the targeted Autoantigens. Unraveling the immunologic mechanisms underlying the autoimmune tissue injury, provided useful conclusions on the generation of autoantibodies and the perpetuation of the autoimmune response. Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies binding on a vast array of organ and non-organ specific Autoantigens. The most common autoantibodies are those targeting the Ro/La RNP complex, and they serve as disease markers, as they are included in the European–American Diagnostic Criteria for pSS. Other autoantibodies are associated with particular disease manifestations, such as anti-centromere antibodies with Raynaud’s phenomenon, anti-carbonic anhydrase II with distal renal tubular acidosis, anti-mitochondrial antibodies with liver pathology, and cryoglobulins with the evolution to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Finally, autoantibodies against Autoantigens such as alpha- and beta-fodrin, islet cell autoantigen, poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP), NuMA, Golgins, and NOR-90 are found in a subpopulation of SS patients without disease specificity, and their utility remains to be elucidated. In this review, the molecular and clinical characteristics (divided according to their clinical utility) of the Autoantigens and autoantibodies associated with pSS are discussed.

Antony Rosen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Autoantigens as partners in initiation and propagation of autoimmune rheumatic diseases
    Annual Review of Immunology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Antony Rosen, Livia Casciolarosen
    Abstract:

    Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by specific targeting of a limited group of ubiquitously expressed Autoantigens by the immune system. This review examines the mechanisms underlying their selection as immune targets. Initiation of autoimmune responses likely reflects the presentation of antigens with a distinct structure not previously encountered by the immune system, in a proimmune context (injury, malignancy, or infection). Causes of modified structure include somatic mutation and posttranslational modifications (including citrullination and proteolysis). Many Autoantigens are components of multimolecular complexes, and some of the other components may provide adjuvant activity. Propagation of autoimmune responses appears to reflect a bidirectional interaction between the immune response and the target tissues in a mutually reinforcing cycle: Immune effector pathways generate additional autoantigen, which feeds further immune response. We propose that this resonance may be a critical prin...

  • immune mediated pore forming pathways induce cellular hypercitrullination and generate citrullinated Autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis
    Science Translational Medicine, 2013
    Co-Authors: Violeta Romero, Erika Darrah, Antony Rosen, Justyna Fertbober, Peter A Nigrovic, Uzma Haque, Felipe Andrade
    Abstract:

    Autoantibodies to citrullinated protein antigens are specific markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although protein citrullination can be activated by numerous stimuli in cells, it remains unclear which of these produce the prominent citrullinated Autoantigens targeted in RA. In these studies, we show that RA synovial fluid cells have an unusual pattern of citrullination with marked citrullination of proteins across the broad range of molecular weights, which we term cellular hypercitrullination. Although histone citrullination is a common event during neutrophil activation and death induced by different pathways including apoptosis, NETosis, and necroptosis/autophagy, hypercitrullination is not induced by these stimuli. However, marked hypercitrullination is induced by two immune-mediated membranolytic pathways, mediated by perforin and the membrane attack complex (MAC), which are active in the RA joint and of importance in RA pathogenesis. We further demonstrate that perforin and MAC activity on neutrophils generate the profile of citrullinated Autoantigens characteristic of RA. These data suggest that activation of peptidylarginine deiminases during complement and perforin activity may be at the core of citrullinated autoantigen production in RA. These pathways may be amenable to monitoring and therapeutic modulation.

  • Granzyme B cleavage of Autoantigens in autoimmunity
    Cell Death & Differentiation, 2010
    Co-Authors: Erika Darrah, Antony Rosen
    Abstract:

    The systemic autoimmune diseases are a complex group of disorders characterized by elaboration of high titer autoantibodies and immune-mediated damage of tissues. Two striking features of autoimmune rheumatic diseases are their self-sustaining nature and capacity for autoamplification, exemplified by disease flares. These features suggest the presence of a feed-forward cycle in disease propagation, in which immune effector pathways drive the generation/release of Autoantigens, which in turn fuel the immune response. There is a growing awareness that structural modification during cytotoxic granule-induced cell death is a frequent and striking feature of Autoantigens, and may be an important principle driving disease. This review focuses on granzyme B (GrB)-mediated cleavage of Autoantigens including (i) features of GrB cleavage sites within Autoantigens, (ii) co-location of cleavage sites with autoimmune epitopes, and (iii) GrB sensitivity of Autoantigens in disease-relevant target tissue. The mechanisms whereby GrB-induced changes in autoantigen structure may contribute to the initiation and propagation of autoimmunity are reviewed and reveal that GrB has the potential to create or destroy autoimmune epitopes. As there remains no direct evidence showing a causal function for GrB cleavage of antigens in the generation of autoimmunity, this review highlights important outstanding questions about the function of GrB in autoantigen selection.

  • mechanisms of disease Autoantigens as clues to the pathogenesis of myositis
    Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Tomeka Suber, Livia Casciolarosen, Antony Rosen
    Abstract:

    Autoimmune inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory muscle diseases that result in progressive inflammatory muscle damage and weakness. As discussed in this Review, damage-induced enhancement of autoantigen expression and adjuvant activity might contribute to pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases. Autoimmune inflammatory myopathies, referred to as myositis, comprise a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory muscle diseases that present with various clinical phenotypes, histologic changes and autoantibodies, resulting in progressive inflammatory muscle damage and weakness. In up to 20% of myositis patients, particularly those with dermatomyositis, there is an association with cancer that is most frequently diagnosed within 1 year of presentation of myositis. Accumulating data show that autoantibodies in myositis target a specific group of intracellular molecules that are not muscle-specific in their expression. The striking association between autoantibodies recognizing ubiquitously expressed molecules and distinct clinical phenotypes suggests that the target tissues themselves might regulate and shape the phenotype-specific immune response in myositis. Studies indicate that changes in phenotype-specific Autoantigens, such as altered structure, enhanced expression, and acquisition of adjuvant properties during various forms of cellular stress, apoptosis, and transformation, might be mechanistically important in this regard. This Review discusses these developments and highlights a central role of Autoantigens themselves as a critical partner in driving autoimmune diseases, and the potential for their therapeutic manipulation. In addition, we will highlight insights that the cancer–autoimmunity interface in this group of diseases provides into the relationship between the anticancer immune response and autoimmune diseases.

  • Altered structure of Autoantigens during apoptosis
    Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 2004
    Co-Authors: John C. Hall, Livia Casciola-rosen, Antony Rosen
    Abstract:

    : The clustering and concentration of Autoantigens at the surface of apoptotic cells, in combination with the striking tolerance-inducing function of apoptotic cells, have focused attention on abnormalities in apoptotic cell execution and clearance as potential susceptibility and initiating factors in systemic autoimmunity. Structural changes that occur during cell death may influence the immunogenicity of self antigens. This article discusses the modifications that Autoantigens undergo during cell death, identifies certain proimmune forms of apoptotic death in which autoantigen structure is frequently modified, and reviews the mechanisms through which such structural changes might lead to initiation of an autoimmune response.

Lucienne Chatenoud - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • CD3 monoclonal antibodies: a first step towards operational immune tolerance in the clinic.
    The review of diabetic studies : RDS, 2012
    Co-Authors: Lucienne Chatenoud, Herman Waldmann
    Abstract:

    Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a prototypic organ-specific autoimmune disease resulting from the selective destruction of insulin-secreting β-cells within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. It is caused by an immune-mediated inflammation, involving autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes that infiltrate the islets and initiate insulitis. The use of exogenous insulin is the current standard treatment. However, in spite of significant advances, this therapy is still associated with major constraints, including risk of hypoglycemia and severe degenerative complications. As T1D mainly affects children and young adults, any candidate immune therapy must be safe, and it must avoid a sustained depression of immune responses with all its attendant problems of recurrent infection and drug toxicity. In this context, inducing or restoring immune tolerance to target Autoantigens would be the ideal approach. We refer to immune tolerance here as the selective damping of the damaging autoimmune response following a short treatment, while keeping intact the capacity of the host to respond normally to exogenous antigens. The therapeutic approach we discuss in this article originates from attempts to induce tolerance both to soluble antigens and tissue antigens (i.e. alloantigens and Autoantigens) by using biological agents that selectively interfere with lymphocyte activation, namely polyclonal and monoclonal anti-T cell antibodies. The challenged dogma was that, in an adult-primed immune system, it was not possible to restore self-tolerance therapeutically without the use of exogenous autoantigen administration. The reality has been that, in diabetes, endogenous host autoantigen can fulfill this role because a significant amount of functioning β-cells remains, even at the time of established hyperglycemia. Experimental results obtained in the 1990s showed that a short-term CD3 antibody treatment in recently diagnosed diabetic non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice induced permanent remission of the disease by restoring self-tolerance. Based on these findings, phase I, II, and III trials were conducted using two distinct humanized Fc-mutated antibodies to human CD3, namely ChAglyCD3 (otelixizumab) and OKT3γ1 Ala-Ala (teplizumab). Overall, when dosing was adequate, the results demonstrated that CD3 antibodies preserved β-cell function very efficiently, maintaining significantly high levels of endogenous insulin secretion in treated patients for up to 24 months after treatment. These data provided the first proof of concept for a long-term therapeutic effect in T1D following a short course administration of a therapeutic agent. Our aim is to review these data and to discuss them in the context of the pitfalls linked to pharmaceutical development, especially in the context of pediatric patients, as in autoimmune diabetes.

  • Immune therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus—what is unique about anti-CD3 antibodies?
    Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 2010
    Co-Authors: Lucienne Chatenoud
    Abstract:

    Immune therapies that induce or, in the case of established type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), restore immune tolerance to target Autoantigens hold potential to cure T1DM whilst avoiding the need for chronic immunosuppression. This Review discusses different immune therapies for T1DM and, in particular, focuses on two promising strategies in clinical development—the use of candidate Autoantigens and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies—that aim to restore immune tolerance. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a prototypic organ-specific autoimmune disease that results from selective destruction of insulin-secreting β-cells by immune-mediated inflammation (insulitis), that is, the infiltration of pancreatic islets by autoreactive CD4^+ and CD8^+ T lymphocytes. Current treatment is substitutive—chronic use of exogenous insulin—which, in spite of considerable advances, is still associated with constraints and lack of effectiveness over the long-term in relation to the prevention of vascular and neurological complications. Finding a cure for T1DM is an important medical health challenge, as the disease's incidence is steadily increasing in industrialized countries and projections of future prevalence are alarming. Crucially, as T1DM mainly affects children and young adults, any candidate immune therapy must be safe and avoid chronic use of immunosuppressants that promote sustained depression of immune responses. The ideal approach would, therefore, involve induction or, in the case of established T1DM, restoration of immune tolerance to target Autoantigens. This Review presents, in particular, two strategies that are still in clinical development but hold great promise. These strategies are focused on the use of candidate Autoantigens and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a prototypic autoimmune disease whose pathophysiology involves autoantigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages and B lymphocytes), T lymphocytes and target insulin-secreting β cells Immune destruction of β cells in humans starts months to years before the advent of overt hyperglycemia The incidence of T1DM has steadily increased in developed countries over the past few decades; prevalence in children

  • Proinsulin: a unique autoantigen triggering autoimmune diabetes
    Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2006
    Co-Authors: Lucienne Chatenoud
    Abstract:

    In healthy individuals the immune system does not react aggressively toward host cells, a phenomenon defined as self tolerance. If self tolerance is broken autoimmune disease can develop, during which autoreactive lymphocytes are directed to a variety of autoantigenic epitopes. However, researchers have yet to determine whether immune responses to multiple Autoantigens develop independently of each other or are the result of the response “spreading” from one autoantigen to another. In a study of NOD mice in this issue of the JCI, Krishnamurthy et al. show that the autoreactive T cell response to the autoantigen proinsulin lies upstream of that to islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit–related protein, suggesting that the pathogenic autoimmune response to proinsulin subsequently spreads to other antigens (see the related article beginning on page 3258). These data support the current view that this pancreatic β cell hormone is the first autoantigen targeted by the immune response in autoimmune diabetes.

  • tolerance to islet Autoantigens in type 1 diabetes
    Annual Review of Immunology, 2001
    Co-Authors: Jeanfrancois Bach, Lucienne Chatenoud
    Abstract:

    Tolerance to β cell Autoantigens represents a fragile equilibrium. Autoreactive T cells specific to these Autoantigens are present in most normal individuals but are kept under control by a number of peripheral tolerance mechanisms, among which CD4+ CD25+ CD62L+ T cell–mediated regulation probably plays a central role. The equilibrium may be disrupted by inappropriate activation of autoantigen-specific T cells, notably following to local inflammation that enhances the expression of the various molecules contributing to antigen recognition by T cells. Even when T cell activation finally overrides regulation, stimulation of regulatory cells by CD3 antibodies may reset the control of autoimmunity. Other procedures may also lead to disease prevention. These procedures are essentially focused on Th2 cytokines, whether used systemically or produced by Th2 cells after specific stimulation by Autoantigens. Protection can also be obtained by NK T cell stimulation. Administration of β cell antigens or CD3 antibodie...

John G. Routsias - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Autoimmune response and target Autoantigens in Sjogren’s syndrome
    European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2010
    Co-Authors: John G. Routsias, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (11): 1026–1036 Abstract Background  Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting mainly the Ro/La ribonucleoprotein complex. It is now appreciated that the production of autoantibodies is an antigen-driven immune response. Design  In this review, candidate mechanisms for autoantigen presentation and perpetuation of the autoimmune response within the autoimmune tissue lesion of pSS are discussed. Results  Several studies have shown that the epithelial cell in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome is activated, bearing characteristics of an antigen-presenting cell, as suggested by inappropriate expression of class II HLA and co-stimulatory molecules. Other studies have confirmed that in salivary glands, there is an increased autoantigen presentation via apoptotic blebs and bodies, exosomes and heat shock protein-mediated cross-priming. There is also an increased expression of interferon (IFN)-induced genes, such as the autoantigen Ro52, which provide negative feedback regulation in inflammation. Ro60 and La Autoantigens also appear to play a major role in the local autoimmune response in Sjogren’s syndrome. In this regard, La and Ro60 the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is upregulated in the affected salivary glands with different isoforms of La autoantigen mRNA to be expressed in patients with pSS. At the protein level, La/SSB in pSS salivary glands is found to be post-translationally modified. Conclusions  Autoantigen alterations in a microenvironment of local inflammation with increased in situ apoptosis, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and antigen presentation may drive the autoimmune response and local autoantibody production in pSS.

  • Autoimmune response and target Autoantigens in Sjogren's syndrome
    European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2010
    Co-Authors: John G. Routsias, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting mainly the Ro/La ribonucleoprotein complex. It is now appreciated that the production of autoantibodies is an antigen-driven immune response.\n\nDESIGN: In this review, candidate mechanisms for autoantigen presentation and perpetuation of the autoimmune response within the autoimmune tissue lesion of pSS are discussed.\n\nRESULTS: Several studies have shown that the epithelial cell in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome is activated, bearing characteristics of an antigen-presenting cell, as suggested by inappropriate expression of class II HLA and co-stimulatory molecules. Other studies have confirmed that in salivary glands, there is an increased autoantigen presentation via apoptotic blebs and bodies, exosomes and heat shock protein-mediated cross-priming. There is also an increased expression of interferon (IFN)-induced genes, such as the autoantigen Ro52, which provide negative feedback regulation in inflammation. Ro60 and La Autoantigens also appear to play a major role in the local autoimmune response in Sjogren's syndrome. In this regard, La and Ro60 the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is upregulated in the affected salivary glands with different isoforms of La autoantigen mRNA to be expressed in patients with pSS. At the protein level, La/SSB in pSS salivary glands is found to be post-translationally modified.\n\nCONCLUSIONS:  Autoantigen alterations in a microenvironment of local inflammation with increased in situ apoptosis, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and antigen presentation may drive the autoimmune response and local autoantibody production in pSS.

  • sjogren s syndrome study of Autoantigens and autoantibodies
    Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 2007
    Co-Authors: John G. Routsias, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    The presence of autoantibodies is the hallmark of systemic autoimmune diseases. During the past 30 years, intense clinical and basic research have dissected the clinical value of autoantibodies in many autoimmune diseases and offered new insights into a better understanding of the molecular and functional properties of the targeted Autoantigens. Unraveling the immunologic mechanisms underlying the autoimmune tissue injury, provided useful conclusions on the generation of autoantibodies and the perpetuation of the autoimmune response. Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies binding on a vast array of organ and non-organ specific Autoantigens. The most common autoantibodies are those targeting the Ro/La RNP complex, and they serve as disease markers, as they are included in the European–American Diagnostic Criteria for pSS. Other autoantibodies are associated with particular disease manifestations, such as anti-centromere antibodies with Raynaud’s phenomenon, anti-carbonic anhydrase II with distal renal tubular acidosis, anti-mitochondrial antibodies with liver pathology, and cryoglobulins with the evolution to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Finally, autoantibodies against Autoantigens such as alpha- and beta-fodrin, islet cell autoantigen, poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP), NuMA, Golgins, and NOR-90 are found in a subpopulation of SS patients without disease specificity, and their utility remains to be elucidated. In this review, the molecular and clinical characteristics (divided according to their clinical utility) of the Autoantigens and autoantibodies associated with pSS are discussed.

  • analysis of parotid glands of primary sjogren s syndrome patients using proteomic technology reveals altered autoantigen composition and novel antigenic targets
    Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 2007
    Co-Authors: E A Stea, John G. Routsias, Martina Samiotaki, George Panayotou, E Papalambros, H M Moutsopoulos, Athanasios G Tzioufas
    Abstract:

    Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, destruction of the salivary and lacrimal glands and production of autoantibodies against a variety of cellular proteins. The aberrant immune response against these Autoantigens may begin or extend to other proteins that are not yet defined. Several studies have shown that autoantibody production is taking place in the affected salivary glands. In the present study, using proteomic approaches, we aimed to: (a) identify new Autoantigens in the salivary glands of primary SS (pSS) patients and (b) evaluate the epigenetic changes of known Autoantigens. Total parotid gland extracts of pSS patients were analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot with pSS patients' sera or purified autoantibodies and immunoprecipitation using homologous IgG. Identification of the unknown proteins was performed using mass spectrometry (MS). Immunoblot analysis on two-dimensional gels using purified anti-La/SSB antibodies revealed that pSS salivary glands contain high levels of post-translationally modified La/SSB autoantigen, while the native form of the protein is recognized faintly, in contrast to normal controls. Moreover, salivary glands of pSS patients contain post-translationally modified actin that becomes immunogenic in the microenviroment of the affected tissue. The alteration of the physicochemical properties of self-proteins could thus contribute to the break of immune tolerance against them.

Livia Casciolarosen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Autoantigens as partners in initiation and propagation of autoimmune rheumatic diseases
    Annual Review of Immunology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Antony Rosen, Livia Casciolarosen
    Abstract:

    Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by specific targeting of a limited group of ubiquitously expressed Autoantigens by the immune system. This review examines the mechanisms underlying their selection as immune targets. Initiation of autoimmune responses likely reflects the presentation of antigens with a distinct structure not previously encountered by the immune system, in a proimmune context (injury, malignancy, or infection). Causes of modified structure include somatic mutation and posttranslational modifications (including citrullination and proteolysis). Many Autoantigens are components of multimolecular complexes, and some of the other components may provide adjuvant activity. Propagation of autoimmune responses appears to reflect a bidirectional interaction between the immune response and the target tissues in a mutually reinforcing cycle: Immune effector pathways generate additional autoantigen, which feeds further immune response. We propose that this resonance may be a critical prin...

  • mechanisms of disease Autoantigens as clues to the pathogenesis of myositis
    Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Tomeka Suber, Livia Casciolarosen, Antony Rosen
    Abstract:

    Autoimmune inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory muscle diseases that result in progressive inflammatory muscle damage and weakness. As discussed in this Review, damage-induced enhancement of autoantigen expression and adjuvant activity might contribute to pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases. Autoimmune inflammatory myopathies, referred to as myositis, comprise a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory muscle diseases that present with various clinical phenotypes, histologic changes and autoantibodies, resulting in progressive inflammatory muscle damage and weakness. In up to 20% of myositis patients, particularly those with dermatomyositis, there is an association with cancer that is most frequently diagnosed within 1 year of presentation of myositis. Accumulating data show that autoantibodies in myositis target a specific group of intracellular molecules that are not muscle-specific in their expression. The striking association between autoantibodies recognizing ubiquitously expressed molecules and distinct clinical phenotypes suggests that the target tissues themselves might regulate and shape the phenotype-specific immune response in myositis. Studies indicate that changes in phenotype-specific Autoantigens, such as altered structure, enhanced expression, and acquisition of adjuvant properties during various forms of cellular stress, apoptosis, and transformation, might be mechanistically important in this regard. This Review discusses these developments and highlights a central role of Autoantigens themselves as a critical partner in driving autoimmune diseases, and the potential for their therapeutic manipulation. In addition, we will highlight insights that the cancer–autoimmunity interface in this group of diseases provides into the relationship between the anticancer immune response and autoimmune diseases.

  • scleroderma Autoantigens are uniquely fragmented by metal catalyzed oxidation reactions implications for pathogenesis
    Journal of Experimental Medicine, 1997
    Co-Authors: Livia Casciolarosen, Fredrick M Wigley, Antony Rosen
    Abstract:

    The observation that revelation of immunocryptic epitopes in self antigens may initiate the autoimmune response has prompted the search for processes which induce novel fragmentation of Autoantigens as potential initiators of autoimmunity. The reversible ischemia reperfusion which characterizes scleroderma has focused attention on reactive oxygen species as molecules which might induce autoantigen fragmentation. We demonstrate that several of the Autoantigens targeted in diffuse scleroderma are uniquely susceptible to cleavage by reactive oxygen species, in a metal-dependent manner. Multiple features of the fragmentation reaction and its inhibition indicate that these Autoantigens possess metal-binding sites, which focus metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions (and consequent fragmentation) to specific regions of the antigens. These data suggest that the autoantibody response in scleroderma is the immune marker of unique protein fragmentation, induced by ischemia reperfusion in the presence of appropriate metals, and focus attention on abnormal metal status as a potential pathogenic principle in this disease.

  • Autoantigens targeted in systemic lupus erythematosus are clustered in two populations of surface structures on apoptotic keratinocytes
    Journal of Experimental Medicine, 1994
    Co-Authors: Livia Casciolarosen, G J Anhalt, Antony Rosen
    Abstract:

    Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem autoimmune disease in which the autoantibody response targets a variety of Autoantigens of diverse subcellular location. We show here that these Autoantigens are clustered in two distinct populations of blebs at the surface of apoptotic cells. The population of smaller blebs contains fragmented endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ribosomes, as well as the ribonucleoprotein, Ro. The larger blebs (apoptotic bodies) contain nucleosomal DNA, Ro, La, and the small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. These autoantigen clusters have in common their proximity to the ER and nuclear membranes, sites of increased generation of reactive oxygen species in apoptotic cells. Oxidative modification at these sites may be a mechanism that unites this diverse group of molecules together as Autoantigens.