1
|
Didona D, Scarsella L, Hudemann C, Volkmann K, Zimmer CL, Beckert B, Tikkanen R, Korff V, Kühn K, Wienzek-Lischka S, Bein G, Di Zenzo G, Böhme J, Cunha T, Solimani F, Pieper J, Juratli HA, Göbel M, Schmidt T, Borradori L, Yazdi AS, Sitaru C, Garn H, Eming R, Fleischer S, Hertl M. Type 2 T-Cell Responses against Distinct Epitopes of the Desmoglein 3 Ectodomain in Pemphigus Vulgaris. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:263-272.e8. [PMID: 37717934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by IgG autoantibodies that predominantly target two transmembrane desmosomal cadherins: desmoglein (DSG)1 and DSG3. DSG-specific T cells play a central role in PV pathogenesis because they provide help to autoreactive B cells for autoantibody production. In this study, we characterized DSG3-specific peripheral T cells in a cohort of 52 patients with PV and 41 healthy controls with regard to cytokine profile and epitope specificity. By ELISpot analysis, type 2 T cells reactive with the DSG3 ectodomain were significantly increased in patients with PV compared with those in healthy controls. By dextramer analysis, CD4+ T cells specific for an epitope within the extracellular domain of DSG3, DSG3(206-220), were found at significantly higher frequencies in patients with PV than in HLA-matched healthy controls. T-cell recognition of two distinct DSG3 epitopes, that is, DSG3(206-220) and DSG3(378-392), correlated significantly, suggesting a synergistic effect in B-cell help. Immunization of HLA-DRB1∗04:02-transgenic mice with PV with the same set of DSG3 peptides induced pathogenic DSG3-specific IgG antibodies, which induced loss of keratinocyte adhesion in vitro. Thus, DSG3 peptide-specific T cells are of particular interest as surrogate markers of disease activity and potential therapeutic targets in PV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luca Scarsella
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Hudemann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Karolin Volkmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christine L Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Beckert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Ritva Tikkanen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Vera Korff
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katja Kühn
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Wienzek-Lischka
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gregor Bein
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Giovanni Di Zenzo
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Jaqueline Böhme
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tomas Cunha
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Farzan Solimani
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josquin Pieper
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hazem A Juratli
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Göbel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luca Borradori
- Department of Dermatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amir S Yazdi
- Department of Dermatology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cassian Sitaru
- Department of Dermatology, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Translational Inflammation Research Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Eming
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany; Klinik III Dermatologie, Venerologie & Allergologie, Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brglez V, Seitz-Polski B. Growing Understanding of the Antigenic Basis for Membranous Nephropathy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:677-678. [PMID: 33849934 PMCID: PMC8259470 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.03530321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Brglez
- UR2CA, Côte d’Azur University, Nice, France,Rare Diseases Reference Center “Nephrotic Syndrome,” Côte d’Azur University, Nice, France
| | - Barbara Seitz-Polski
- UR2CA, Côte d’Azur University, Nice, France,Rare Diseases Reference Center “Nephrotic Syndrome,” Côte d’Azur University, Nice, France,Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France,Department of Immunology, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sachdev A, Bhanusali DG, Patterson KC, Zamora MB, Ghuman A, Gerlach JA, Sinha AA. PTPN22 1858T is not a risk factor for North American pemphigus vulgaris. Exp Dermatol 2011; 20:514-9. [PMID: 21585555 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 (PTPN22) gene affect the threshold for lymphocyte activation. The PTPN22 1858T polymorphism leads to uninhibited T-cell receptor cascade propagation. An elevated PTPN22 1858C/T genotype frequency has been correlated with several autoimmune disorders which have T-cell and humoral components. However, a recent Tunisian report demonstrated no association between PTPN22 1858T and patients with Pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoantibody-associated blistering disorder. Because PTPN22 1858T allele frequency is known to vary across ethnic populations, we conducted a case-control study investigating the relationship between PTPN22 1858T and PV in North American patients of either Ashkenazi Jewish or Caucasian (non-Ashkenazi) decent. Participant genotype was determined in 102 PV patients and 102 healthy controls by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction genotyping. Relationships were calculated using Fisher's exact tests and chi-squared tests. We report that the PTPN22 1858C/T genotype is not significantly associated with PV in either Caucasians (P = 0.83) or Ashkenazi Jews (P = 0.60). Further stratification of the patient population by gender, age of disease onset, HLA-type, family history of autoimmune disease, history of anti-desmoglein (anti-Dsg) 3 or anti-Dsg1 antibody response, history of lesion morphology, and disease duration did not uncover significant associations between the PTPN22 1858T allele and PV subgroups. Our data indicate that the PTPN22 1858T mutation is not associated with PV in the North American population. We do observe an elevation of PTPN22 1858C/T genotype frequency in male PV patients. Further investigation will be required to determine if this trend reaches significance in larger studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sachdev
- Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Sciences, Center for Investigative Dermatology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Timóteo RP, Marques LS, Bertoncello D. [Physiotherapy intervention promotes better quality of life for individuals with pemphigus]. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2011; 43:580-3. [PMID: 21085874 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822010000500022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by bullae, in which its chronicity and clinical manifestations generate alterations in the quality of life. In Brazil, the disease prevails in the states of the Midwest and Southeast. The study aimed to evaluate the profile and quality of life of patients with pemphigus in a Brazilian city, for the purposes of physiotherapeutic intervention. METHODS The medical records of 15 institutionalized patients were analyzed, though only 7 volunteers underwent the initial and final interviews using the quality of life questionnaire SF-36. Between data collections, physical therapy exercises were applied over a four-month period. After this predetermined period the data were compared and analyzed quantitatively using the Med Calc E and the Student t test. RESULTS The 15 patients in treatment had a mean age of 40 years-old; 53.3% were melanoderm; 80% were men; 60% had contact with rural areas and 80% were from the southern region. The 7 patients who participated in the intervention showed a tendency for improvement in the areas assessed by the SF-36, except for vitality and social aspects. CONCLUSIONS The profile of the population of this hospital is in agreement with the literature. According to the SF-36 collected before and after the physical therapy intervention, general improvement in the quality of life of these patients was verified. This research suggests that physiotherapeutic intervention promotes diverse benefits for patients with pemphigus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Pessato Timóteo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Culton DA, Qian Y, Li N, Rubenstein D, Aoki V, Filhio GH, Rivitti EA, Diaz LA. Advances in pemphigus and its endemic pemphigus foliaceus (Fogo Selvagem) phenotype: a paradigm of human autoimmunity. J Autoimmun 2008; 31:311-24. [PMID: 18838249 PMCID: PMC2704386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2008] [Revised: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus encompasses a group of organ specific, antibody mediated autoimmune diseases of the skin characterized by keratinocyte detachment that leads to the development of blisters and erosions, which can become life-threatening. The pathogenic autoantibodies recognize desmogleins, which are members of the desmosomal cadherin family of cell adhesion molecules. Desmoglein 3 is targeted in pemphigus vulgaris while desmoglein 1 is targeted in pemphigus foliaceus and its endemic form, Fogo Selvagem. This review will briefly define the salient features of pemphigus and the proposed steps in pathogenesis. We will then summarize the most recent advances in three important areas of investigation: (i) epidemiologic, genetic, and immunologic features of Fogo Selvagem, (ii) molecular mechanisms of injury to the epidermis, and (iii) novel therapeutic strategies targeting specific steps in disease pathogenesis. The advances in each of these three seemingly separate areas contribute to the overall understanding of the pemphigus disease model. These recent advancements also underscore the dynamic interplay between the treatment of patients in a clinical setting and basic science research and have led to an integrative understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment, allowing pemphigus to serve as a paradigm of human autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donna A. Culton
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ye Qian
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David Rubenstein
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Valeria Aoki
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gunter Hans Filhio
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Luis A. Diaz
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tong JC, Sinha AA. Immunological hotspots analyzed by docking simulations: evidence for a general mechanism in pemphigus vulgaris pathology and transformation. BMC Immunol 2008; 9:30. [PMID: 18564435 PMCID: PMC2440363 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-9-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 06/19/2008] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an acquired autoimmune blistering disorder in which greater than 80% of active patients produce autoantibodies to the desmosomal protein desmogelin 3 (Dsg3). As the disease progresses, 40–50% of patients may also develop reactivity to a second component of the desmosomal complex, desmogelin 1 (Dsg1). T cells are clearly required for the production of autoantibodies in PV. However, few T-cell specificities within Dsg3 or Dsg1 have been reported to date, and the precise role of T-cells in disease pathogenesis and evolution remains poorly understood. In particular, no studies have addressed the immunological mechanisms that underlie the observed clinical heterogeneity in pemphigus. We report here a structure-based technique for the screening of DRB1*0402-specific immunological (T-cell epitope) hotspots in both Dsg3 and Dsg1 glycoproteins. Results High predictivity was obtained for DRB1*0402 (r2 = 0.90, s = 1.20 kJ/mol, q2 = 0.82, spress = 1.61 kJ/mol) predictive model, compared to experimental data. In silico mapping of the T-cell epitope repertoires in Dsg3 and Dsg1 glycoproteins revealed that the potential immunological hotspots of both target autoantigens are highly conserved, despite limited sequence identity (54% identical, 72% similar). A similar number of well-conserved (18%) high-affinity binders were predicted to exist within both Dsg3 and Dsg1, with analogous distribution of binding registers. Conclusion This study provides interesting new insights into the possible mechanism for PV disease progression. Our data suggests that the potential T-cell epitope repertoires encoded in Dsg1 and Dsg3 is substantially overlapping, and it may be possible to apply a common, antigen-specific therapeutic strategy with efficacy across distinct clinical phases of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joo Chuan Tong
- Data Mining Department, Institute for Infocomm Research, 21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, 119613, Singapore.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mouquet H, Berrih-Aknin S, Bismuth J, Joly P, Gilbert D, Tron F. Expression of pemphigus-autoantigen desmoglein 1 in human thymus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 71:464-70. [PMID: 18331528 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2008.01020.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Desmoglein (Dsg) 1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the desmosome allowing cell-cell adhesion between keratinocytes, whose expression is restricted to stratified squamous epithelia-like epidermis. Dsg1 is the target autoantigen of pathogenic autoantibodies produced by pemphigus foliaceus and 50% of pemphigus vulgaris patients in a Dsg1-specific T-cell-dependent pathway. Herewith, we show that mRNA of the DSG1 gene is present in normal human thymus and show by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis that the expression of DSG1 transcript increases with age. Although immunoblot analysis on human thymus extracts using different anti-Dsg1 antibodies did not allow to detect the protein, we show by double-immunofluorescence assay that Dsg1 is expressed at protein level by CD19+ CD63+ cells located in the medulla. These data provide another illustration of the thymic expression of a tissue-specific autoantigen involved in an organ-specific autoimmune disease, which may participate in the tolerance acquisition and/or regulation of Dsg1-specific T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Mouquet
- INSERM U905, Institut Fédératif de Recherche 23, Rouen, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fridkis-Hareli M. Immunogenetic mechanisms for the coexistence of organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases. JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES 2008; 5:1. [PMID: 18275618 PMCID: PMC2265707 DOI: 10.1186/1740-2557-5-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Organ-specific autoimmune diseases affect particular targets in the body, whereas systemic diseases engage multiple organs. Both types of autoimmune diseases may coexist in the same patient, either sequentially or concurrently, sustained by the presence of autoantibodies directed against the corresponding autoantigens. Multiple factors, including those of immunological, genetic, endocrine and environmental origin, contribute to the above condition. Due to association of certain autoimmune disorders with HLA alleles, it has been intriguing to examine the immunogenetic basis for autoantigen presentation leading to the production of two or more autoantibodies, each distinctive of an organ-specific or systemic disease. This communication offers the explanation for shared autoimmunity as illustrated by organ-specific blistering diseases and the connective tissue disorders of systemic nature. Presentation of the hypothesis Several hypothetical mechanisms implicating HLA determinants, autoantigenic peptides, T cells, and B cells have been proposed to elucidate the process by which two autoimmune diseases are induced in the same individual. One of these scenarios, based on the assumption that the patient carries two disease-susceptible HLA genes, arises when a single T cell epitope of each autoantigen recognizes its HLA protein, leading to the generation of two types of autoreactive B cells, which produce autoantibodies. Another mechanism functioning whilst an epitope derived from either autoantigen binds each of the HLA determinants, resulting in the induction of both diseases by cross-presentation. Finally, two discrete epitopes originating from the same autoantigen may interact with each of the HLA specificities, eliciting the production of both types of autoantibodies. Testing the hypothesis Despite the lack of immediate or unequivocal experimental evidence supporting the present hypothesis, several approaches may secure a better understanding of shared autoimmunity. Among these are animal models expressing the transgenes of human disease-associated HLA determinants and T or B cell receptors, as well as in vitro binding studies employing purified HLA proteins, synthetic peptides, and cellular assays with antigen-presenting cells and patient's lymphocytes. Indisputably, a bioinformatics-based search for peptide motifs and the modeling of the conformation of bound autoantigenic peptides associated with their respective HLA alleles will reveal some of these important processes. Implications of the hypothesis The elucidation of HLA-restricted immune recognition mechanisms prompting the production of two or more disease-specific autoantibodies holds significant clinical ramifications and implications for the development of more effective treatment protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masha Fridkis-Hareli
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fridkis-Hareli M, Razzaque Ahmed A. Viewpoint 2. Exp Dermatol 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2006.00499_6.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
10
|
Paus R, Amagai M, Ahmed AR, Kitajima Y, Bystryn JC, Milner Y, Gniadecki R, Hertl M, Pincelli C, Fridkis-Hareli M, Aoyama Y, Frušić-Zlotkin M, Müller E, David M, Mimouni D, Vind-Kezunovic D, Michel B, Mahoney M, Grando S. Are desmoglein autoantibodies essential for the immunopathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris, or just ‘witnesses of disease'? Exp Dermatol 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2006.00499.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
11
|
Salato VK, Hacker-Foegen MK, Lazarova Z, Fairley JA, Lin MS. Role of intramolecular epitope spreading in pemphigus vulgaris. Clin Immunol 2005; 116:54-64. [PMID: 15925832 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2005.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2004] [Revised: 03/07/2005] [Accepted: 03/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an acquired immunobullous disorder. At the early stage of the disease (mucosal PV), patients display only autoimmunity to desmoglein (Dsg) 3 and develop mucosal blisters; while at the later stage of the disease (mucocutaneous PV), patients exhibit non-cross-reactive autoimmunity to both Dsg3 and Dsg1 and acquire cutaneous as well as mucosal blisters. At these two disease stages, Dsg3 autoantibodies exhibit different tissue-binding patterns and pathogenic activities, suggesting that they may recognize distinct epitopes. To test this hypothesis and to investigate the mechanism underlying the disease transition, we studied Dsg3 autoantibody epitopes from mucosal PV patients and patients exhibiting disease transition to mucocutaneous PV. We demonstrated that autoantibodies from the majority of mucosal PV patients target epitopes at the COOH-terminal portion of the Dsg3 ectodomain. Interestingly, only autoantibodies against the Dsg3 NH2-terminal epitope(s) are able to bind human skin. Moreover, we discovered that the intramolecular epitope spreading from Dsg3(87-566) to Dsg3(1-88) is a critical step that precedes the intermolecular epitope spreading from Dsg3 to Dsg1. During disease transition, this mechanism dictates the development of Dsg3 autoantibodies that recognize human skin and lead to expression of cutaneous PV lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie K Salato
- Department of Dermatology, MFRC 4001, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tron F, Gilbert D, Mouquet H, Joly P, Drouot L, Makni S, Masmoudi H, Charron D, Zitouni M, Loiseau P, Ben Ayed M. Genetic factors in pemphigus. J Autoimmun 2005; 24:319-28. [PMID: 15869862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2005.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 02/23/2005] [Accepted: 03/15/2005] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies performed in different ethnic populations and family studies, notably based on a partial phenotype of the autoimmune process, indicate that genetic factors are involved in the occurrence of pemphigus. However, the precise heritability remains uncertain in the absence of twin concordance rate studies. Among the different strategies available to identify genetic factors participating in autoimmune disease susceptibility, only population studies based on case-control design have been performed in pemphigus. These studies consistently showed that MHC locus, in particular HLA class II alleles, are associated with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Other genes of the MHC locus may also participate in disease susceptibility as shown by studies using microsatellite markers across different regions of the MHC. It is likely that other non-MHC genes are involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus. In particular, involvement of a polymorphic variant of desmoglein 1 gene was shown to be associated with pemphigus foliaceus and to interact in an epistatic manner with MHC class II genes to contribute to the autoimmune process. Other candidate genes to which a role can be assigned in the disease pathogenesis should be considered to design case-control or family-based association studies. Genome scan studies which require a large number of multiplex families to reach statistical power, should also be considered in the endemic form of pemphigus foliaceus because of the high number of familial cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Tron
- Unité INSERM 519 - IFRMP 23, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Faculté Mixte de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22, Boulevard Gambetta, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lucchese A, Mittelman A, Lin MS, Kanduc D, Sinha AA. Epitope definition by proteomic similarity analysis: identification of the linear determinant of the anti-Dsg3 MAb 5H10. J Transl Med 2004; 2:43. [PMID: 15588331 PMCID: PMC544587 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-2-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2004] [Accepted: 12/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Walking along disease-associated protein sequences in the search for specific segments able to induce cellular immune response may direct clinical research towards effective peptide-based vaccines. To this aim, we are studying the targets of the immune response in autoimmune diseases by applying the principle of non-self-discrimination as a driving concept in the identification of the autoimmunogenic peptide sequences. METHODS: Computer-assisted proteomic analysis of the autoantigen protein sequence and dot-blot/NMR immunoassays are applied to the prediction and subsequent validation of the epitopic sequences. RESULTS: Using the experimental model Pemphigus vulgaris/desmoglein 3, we have identified the antigenic linear determinant recognized by MAb 5H10, a monoclonal antibody raised against the extracellular domain of human desmoglein-3. The computer-assisted search for the Dsg3 epitope was conducted by analyzing the similarity level to the mouse proteome of the human desmoglein protein sequence. Dot-blot immunoassay analyses mapped the epitope within the sequence Dsg349-60 REWVKFAKPCRE, which shows low similarity to the mouse proteome. NMR spectroscopy analyses confirmed the specificity of MAb 5H10 for the predicted epitope. CONCLUSIONS: This report promotes the concept that low level of sequence similarity to the host's proteome may modulate peptide epitopicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberta Lucchese
- Department of Odontostomatology and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bari, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Abraham Mittelman
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Mong-Shang Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA
| | - Darja Kanduc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Animesh A Sinha
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Termeer CC, Technau K, Augustin M, Simon JC. Topical tacrolimus (protopic) for the treatment of a localized pemphigus foliaceus. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2004; 18:636-7. [PMID: 15324416 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.00980.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
15
|
Abstract
Desmoglein 1 is a member of the desmosomal cadherin family that comprise the desmogleins and desmocollins. The desmoglein 1 gene (DSG1) is centromeric to the desmoglein gene cluster and spans approximately 45 kb of 18q12, comprising 15 exons. The transcript encodes a precursor protein of 1049 amino acids that is cleaved to yield a mature protein of 1000 residues. This mature protein is expressed in certain specialized epithelia, and in the epidermis is expressed within the superficial layers. Within the desmosome the extracellular domain of the protein is essential for calcium dependent heterophilic binding to the desmocollins, whereas the intracellular domain is essential for binding to the desmosomal plaque protein, plakoglobin. Desmoglein 1 has been implicated in several human diseases. Mutations within the extracellular domain lead to autosomal dominant striate palmoplantar keratoderma, whereas autoantibodies and strains of Staphylococcus aureus target the extracellular domain in the acquired bullous disorders pemphigus foliaceus and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, respectively. Therefore, intact and functionally active desmoglein 1 is essential to epidermal integrity. Here, we review the expression, protein structure, genetics, and molecular interactions of desmoglein 1 and outline the role it plays within the desmosome and how it becomes defective in human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N V Whittock
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, and Department of Dermatology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whittock NV. Genomic Sequence Analysis of the Mouse Desmoglein Cluster Reveals Evidence for Six Distinct Genes: Characterization of Mouse DSG4, DSG5, and DSG6. J Invest Dermatol 2003. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2003.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
17
|
Abstract
Desmosomes are essential adhesion structures in most epithelia that link the intermediate filament network of one cell to its neighbor, thereby forming a strong bond. The molecular components of desmosomes belong to the cadherin superfamily, the plakin family, and the armadillo repeat protein family. The desmosomal cadherins are calcium-dependent transmembrane adhesion molecules and comprise the desmogleins and desmocollins. To date, three human desmoglein isoforms have been characterized, namely desmogleins 1, 2, and 3 that are expressed in a tissue- and differentiation-specific manner. Here we have identified and characterized, at the genetic level, a novel human desmoglein cDNA sharing homology with desmogleins 1, 2, 3 and we name this desmoglein 4. The human desmoglein 4 cDNA (3.6 kb) contains an open reading frame of 3120 bp that encodes a precursor protein of 1040 amino acids. The predicted mature protein comprises 991 amino acids with a molecular weight of 107822 Da at pI 4.38. Human desmoglein 4 shares 41% identity with human desmoglein 1, 37% with human desmoglein 2, and 50% with human desmoglein 3. Analysis of the exon/intron organization of the human desmoglein 4 gene (DSG4) demonstrates that it is composed of 16 exons spanning approximately 37 kb of 18q12 and is situated between DSG1 and DSG3. We have demonstrated using RT-PCR on multiple tissue cDNA samples that desmoglein 4 has very specific tissue expression in salivary gland, testis, prostate, and skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil V Whittock
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hacker MK, Janson M, Fairley JA, Lin MS. Isotypes and antigenic profiles of pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris autoantibodies. Clin Immunol 2002; 105:64-74. [PMID: 12483995 DOI: 10.1006/clim.2002.5259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study we systematically characterized isotype profiles and antigenic and tissue specificity of antidesmoglein autoantibodies from patients with pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) staining, and immunoblotting (IB). In PF, we found that IgG1 antidesmoglein-1 (Dsg1) reacts with a linear epitope(s) on the ectodomain of Dsg1, while its IgG4 counterpart recognizes a conformational epitope(s). These two subclasses of anti-Dsg1 are both capable of recognizing tissues from monkey esophagus and adult human skin, but IgG1 is not able to react with mouse skin, which may explain why this isotype of anti-Dsg1 failed to induce PF-like lesions in the passive transfer animal model. In mucosal PV patients, we found that both IgG1 and IgG4 only recognized monkey esophagus tissue by IIF, except in one patient, indicating that these antibodies react with a unique conformational epitope(s) that is present in mucosal but not skin tissue. In generalized PV, IgG1 anti-Dsg3 autoantibodies appeared to recognize a linear epitope(s) on the Dsg3 ectodomain. In contrast, IgG4 anti-Dsg3 antibodies recognized both linear and conformational epitopes on the Dsg3 molecule. Interestingly, the IgG1 anti-Dsg3 antibodies failed to react with human and mouse skin tissues, suggesting that this subclass of autoantibodies may not play an essential role in the development of PV suprabasilar lesions. In summary, we conclude that this study further elucidates the pathological mechanisms of PF and PV autoantibodies by revealing their distinct isotype and antigenic profiles. This information may help us to better understand the autoimmune mechanisms underlying the development of pemphigus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Hacker
- Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Martel P, Gilbert D, Busson M, Loiseau P, Lepage V, Drouot L, Delaporte E, Prost C, Joly P, Charron D, Tron F. Epistasis between DSG1 and HLA class II genes in pemphigus foliaceus. Genes Immun 2002; 3:205-10. [PMID: 12058255 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gene.6363839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2001] [Revised: 11/26/2001] [Accepted: 11/26/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a rare and severe cutaneous autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies directed against desmoglein 1 (DSG1), a desmosomal adhesion glycoprotein. We previously showed that the DSG1 gene is polymorphic and that a coding synonymous T/C single nucleotide polymorphism at position 809 is associated with PF. To determine whether the disease occurred as a consequence of complex genetic interactions, we simultaneously examined the contribution of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and DSG1 polymorphisms to PF susceptibility. Our analysis performed in 31 PF patients and 84 healthy controls first confirmed the previously reported common DRB1*04 and DRB1*14 genetic background in PF and individualized DRB1*0102, DRB1*0402 and DRB1*0406, and DRB1*1404 as susceptibility MHC class II alleles in French Caucasian PF patients. It also showed that the C/C(809) genotype was associated with PF. Combined analysis of HLA class II and DSG1 polymorphisms with several distinct statistical methods including logistic regression, showed that the DRB1*04 allele and the C/C(809) genotype interact to confer a higher susceptibility to PF. These data demonstrate the role of epistasis between individual genes in PF susceptibility and illustrate the genetic complexity of organ-specific autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Martel
- INSERM U519, Institut Fédératif de Recherche Multidisciplinaire sur les Peptides (IFR23), Faculté de Médecine et Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Arteaga LA, Prisayanh PS, Warren SJP, Liu Z, Diaz LA, Lin MS. A subset of pemphigus foliaceus patients exhibits pathogenic autoantibodies against both desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3. J Invest Dermatol 2002; 118:806-11. [PMID: 11982757 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2002.01743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In pemphigus vulgaris the major pathogenic antibody binds desmoglein-3, and mediates mucosal disease. Development of cutaneous disease is associated with acquisition of antibodies to desmoglein-1. In pemphigus foliaceus, and its endemic form, fogo selvagem by contrast, the major pathogenic antibody recognizes desmoglein-1 and mediates cutaneous disease only. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of antibodies to desmoglein-3 in patients with pemphigus foliaceus and fogo selvagem. We produced recombinant desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3, and used them in highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, as well as immunoprecipitation assays. We detected antibodies to desmoglein-3 in 19 of 276 patients with pemphigus foliaceus and fogo selvagem, who had cutaneous disease only. We showed that these antibodies to desmoglein-3 could be absorbed in a concentration-dependent manner by desmoglein-3 but not by desmoglein-1. Also antibodies to desmoglein-1 could be absorbed in a concentration-dependent manner by desmoglein-1 but not desmoglein-3. This suggests that two separate species of antibody are present rather than one antibody capable of cross-reacting with both desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3. Finally, it was shown that affinity-purified antibodies to desmoglein-3 from patients with pemphigus foliaceus and fogo selvagem induced a pemphigus vulgaris-like skin disease in mice by passive transfer. These results suggest that a subset of patients with pemphigus foliaceus and fogo selvagem have antibodies to desmoglein-3 that may be involved in the pathogenesis of their cutaneous disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Arteaga
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Karpouzis A, Vamvassakis E, Stavrianeas N, Koumantaki-Mathioudaki E, Karpouzi M, Vareltzides A. Ultrastructural immunocytochemistry of autoimmune bullous diseases. Australas J Dermatol 2002; 43:113-9. [PMID: 11982567 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00571.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Advanced immunopathological assays have been developed to elucidate the pathophysiology and provide more precise nosological definitions of the immunobullous diseases. Forty-seven patients suffering from autoimmune bullous diseases (intra- or subepidermal) were studied by immunoelectron microscopy (direct and indirect). Peroxidase staining was revealed by diaminobenzidine (determination of immune deposit location) in the majority of the cases of subepidermal bullous diseases, but in less than half of the cases of intraepidermal bullous diseases. Immunoelectron microscopy features contributed in verifying the diagnosis of rare entities such as cicatricial pemphigoid, paraneoplastic autoimmune bullous disease, linear IgA disease and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Karpouzis
- Department of Dermatology, A Sygros Hospital, School of Medicine, National University of Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Affiliation(s)
- P Martel
- Clinique Dermatologique, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, INSERM U519, IFRMP 23, Rouen, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lin MS, Fu CL, Giudice GJ, Olague-Marchan M, Lazaro AM, Stastny P, Diaz LA. Epitopes targeted by bullous pemphigoid T lymphocytes and autoantibodies map to the same sites on the bullous pemphigoid 180 ectodomain. J Invest Dermatol 2000; 115:955-61. [PMID: 11121125 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00153.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering skin disease characterized by autoantibodies directed against the NC16A domain of bullous pemphigoid 180 (collagen XVII), a transmembrane protein of epidermal basal cells. Passive transfer studies in mice have shown that antibodies that bind to this immunodominant region of bullous pemphigoid 180 are capable of inducing a skin disease that closely mimics bullous pemphigoid, supporting the hypothesis that epitopes within NC16A are involved in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid. In this study, we examined the autoimmune T cell response in bullous pemphigoid patients. T cells from eight of 12 bullous pemphigoid patients, all of whom had circulating anti-bullous pemphigoid 180 autoantibodies, showed a specific proliferative response to recombinant forms of NC16A. T cell lines and clones developed from four of these patients recognize the same NC16A peptides as those targeted by autoantibodies from the corresponding individuals. These NC16A-responding T lymphocytes express alpha/beta T cell receptors and CD4 memory T cell surface markers and exhibited a Th1/Th2 mixed cytokine profile that may support the production of antibodies. This new information will aid in defining the key steps involved in the development of the autoimmune response in bullous pemphigoid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S Lin
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27759, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
González A, España A, López-Zabalza MJ, Pelacho B, Sánchez-Carpintero I, Santiago E, López-Moratalla N. Correlation between profile of circulating mononuclear cells and clinical manifestations in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Autoimmunity 2000; 32:115-28. [PMID: 11078158 DOI: 10.3109/08916930008994081] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypes of 38 samples of mononuclear (PBMC) cells from 11 different patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) at different stages of the disease were explored looking for a possible relationship between cell immunity, mucocutaneous or mucosal lesion intensity and capacity of serum autoantibodies to elicit the disease in mice. PBMC from 5 patients with mucocutaneous lesions and sera with IgG capable of inducing the disease in neonatal mice had a high proportion of mature monocytes with CD14low DRhigh, and co-expressing CD16 and CD11b. In addition, a high proportion of CD19+CD5+ activated B cells and a very low proportion of naive CD4+CD45RA+ and CD8+CD11b+ T lymphocytes was observed. Monocytes from these patients expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In contrast, PBMC from 6 patients, with lesions restricted to mucosal membranes and IgG lacking the capacity to induce the disease in mice, contained a high proportion of CD14high DRlow co-expressing CD16 circulating macrophages, CD8+CD11b+ T cells, and a low proportion of activated B lymphocytes. The results suggest a possible association between proportion of different antigen presenting cells (monocytes with high HLA-DR and low CD14 expression and activated B lymphocytes, or differentiated monocytes/macrophages), type of PV and capacity of serum autoantibodies to elicit the disease in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A González
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Loiseau P, Lecleach L, Prost C, Lepage V, Busson M, Bastuji-Garin S, Roujeau JC, Charron D. HLA class II polymorphism contributes to specify desmoglein derived peptides in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. J Autoimmun 2000; 15:67-73. [PMID: 10936030 DOI: 10.1006/jaut.2000.0388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Susceptibility to Pemphigus, an autoimmune disease of the skin, has been previously linked to DRB1*0402, 1401/04 and DQB1*0503 in pemphigus vulgaris (PV), to DRB1*0102, 0404, 1402/06 in endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Brazil and to DRB1*04 in Italian patients suffering from pemphigus foliaceus (PF). The disease is caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg1 in PF, Dsg3 in PV). Molecular typing of 57 French patients suffering from PV (37) and from PF (20) confirmed previous results concerning PV and showed that DRB1*0102 and 0404 are susceptible molecules to PF in France. We have analysed the characteristics of the 'pockets' of the susceptibility-associated molecules to PV and PF and we showed that (i) in PV, two kinds of Dsg3 derived peptides may be presented by HLA-DR according to HLA polymorphism (DRB1*0402 or DRB1*14/0406), (ii) the same Dsg1 peptides may be presented by DRB1*0102, DQB1*0404 or DRB1*14 in PF, (iii) the DRB1*14/0406 PV-related molecules may be able to present Dsg1 and Dsg3 peptides thereby providing an explanation for the cases of PV with combined responses to Dsg1 and to Dsg3 which are typified by a muco-cutaneous clinical phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Loiseau
- Service d'immunologie et d'histocompatibilité, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Toto P, Feliciani C, Amerio P, Suzuki H, Wang B, Shivji GM, Woodley D, Sauder DN. Immune modulation in pemphigus vulgaris: role of CD28 and IL-10. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2000; 164:522-9. [PMID: 10605050 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.164.1.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous skin disease characterized by Abs to the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein-3. Although the autoantibodies have been shown to be pathogenic, the role of the cellular immune system in the pathology of pemphigus-induced acantholysis is unclear. To further delineate the potential role of T cell-signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of PV, we performed passive transfer experiments with PV IgG in gene-targeted mutant mice. Our results demonstrated that CD28-deficient mice (lacking a costimulatory signal for T cell activation) are 5-fold more sensitive to the development of PV than wild-type mice. To evaluate whether the higher incidence of disease was due to an impairment in intercellular adhesion of keratinocytes, we performed an in vitro acantholysis, using CD28-/- mice keratinocytes. No alteration in in vitro adhesion was detected in CD28-/--type keratinocytes. Because the CD28 molecule plays a pivotal role in the induction of Th2 cytokines, we examined the levels of a prototypic Th2 cytokine (IL-10) in CD28-/- mice. Lower levels of IL-10 mRNA were found in lesions from CD28-/- mice. To determine whether pemphigus susceptibility in CD28-/- was related to IL-10 deficiency, we performed passive transfer experiments in IL-10-/- mice that demonstrated increased blisters compared with controls. To confirm that IL-10 is involved in the pathogenesis, rIL-10 was given with PV IgG. IL-10 significantly suppressed the disease activity. These data suggest a potential role of IL-10 in PV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Toto
- Department of Dermatology, University G.d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lin MS, Gharia MA, Swartz SJ, Diaz LA, Giudice GJ. Identification and Characterization of Epitopes Recognized by T Lymphocytes and Autoantibodies from Patients with Herpes Gestationis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 1999. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.162.8.4991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Autoantibodies associated with herpes gestationis (HG), a pregnancy-associated autoimmune skin disease, target the hemidesmosomal protein BP180. It was shown that the major noncollagenous stretch of the BP180 ectodomain (NC16A) harbors epitopes recognized by HG sera. Furthermore, Abs reactive with the homologous domain of murine BP180 are known to trigger a cutaneous blistering disease in mice by passive transfer experiments. The present study was aimed at characterizing the T cell responses and specificities of autoantibodies from two HG patients. Using immunoblotting and T cell proliferation assays, we have identified a 14-amino-acid stretch of the BP180 ectodomain (MCW-1; aa 507–520) that is recognized by both T cells and autoantibodies produced by the HG patients. The neonate born to one of these HG patients showed no signs of skin disease and had no detectable T cell response to the BP180 Ag, but did have a low titer of circulating anti-BP180 autoantibodies, presumably of maternal origin. BP180-specific T cell lines and clones developed from an HG patient specifically reacted with the MCW-1 epitope. The proliferative responses of these clones were restricted to HLA-DR, but not -DQ or -DP. These Ag-specific T cells expressed α/β TCRs and a CD4 memory T cell phenotype and secreted IFN-γ and IL-2, but not IL-4 or IL-6, suggesting that they are Th1-type lymphocytes. Further characterization of these Ag-specific T cells and autoantibodies will aid in elucidating the autoimmune mechanism(s) leading to the development of HG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - L. A. Diaz
- *Dermatology and
- ‡Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295
| | - G. J. Giudice
- *Dermatology and
- †Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226; and
| |
Collapse
|