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Burbelo PD, Ji Y, Iadarola MJ. Advancing Luciferase-Based Antibody Immunoassays to Next-Generation Mix and Read Testing. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:303. [PMID: 36979515 PMCID: PMC10046223 DOI: 10.3390/bios13030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Antibody measurements play a central role in the diagnosis of many autoimmune and infectious diseases. One antibody detection technology, Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS), utilizes genetically encoded recombinant luciferase antigen fusion proteins in an immunoglobulin capture format to generate robust antibody measurement with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The LIPS technology has been highly useful in detecting antibodies for research diagnostics and the discovery of new autoantigens. The methodology of the assay requires immunoglobulin binding reagents such as protein A/G beads and washing steps to process the immune complex before antibody levels are measured by light production with a luminometer. Recently, simplified mix and read immunoassays based on split components of the nanoluciferase enzyme in a complementation format have been developed for antibody measurements without requiring immunoglobulin-capturing beads or washing steps. The mix and read immunoassays utilize two or three nanoluciferase fragments which when reconstituted via antigen-specific antibody binding generate a functional enzyme. At present, these split luciferase tests have been developed mainly for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Here, we describe the traditional LIPS technology and compare it to the new split luciferase methodologies focusing on their technical features, strengths, limitations, and future opportunities for diagnostic research, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Burbelo
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 202892, USA
| | - Youngmi Ji
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 202892, USA
| | - Michael J. Iadarola
- Department of Perioperative Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 202892, USA
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Aqrawi LA, Jensen JL, Fromreide S, Galtung HK, Skarstein K. Expression of NGAL-specific cells and mRNA levels correlate with inflammation in the salivary gland, and its overexpression in the saliva, of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Autoimmunity 2020; 53:333-343. [PMID: 32686529 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2020.1795140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Salivary gland involvement is a characteristic feature of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), where tissue destruction is mediated by infiltrating immune cells, and may be accompanied by the presence of adipose tissue. Optimally diagnosing this multifactorial disease requires the incorporation of additional routines. Screening for disease-specific biomarkers in biological fluid could be a promising approach to increase diagnostic accuracy. We have previously investigated disease biomarkers in saliva and tear fluid of pSS patients, identifying Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as the most upregulated protein in pSS. In the current study, we aimed to explore for the first time NGAL expression at the site of inflammation in the pSS disease target organ. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted on minor salivary gland biopsies from 11 pSS patients and 11 non-SS sicca subjects, targeting NGAL-specific cells. Additional NGAL/PNAd double staining was performed to study NGAL expression in high endothelial venules, known as specialised vascular structures. Moreover, NGAL mRNA expression was measured utilising quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on minor salivary gland biopsies from 15 pSS patients and 7 non-SS sicca individuals that served as tissue controls. Our results demonstrated NGAL expression in acinar and ductal epithelium within the salivary gland of pSS patients, where significantly greater levels of acinar NGAL were observed in pSS patients (p < .0018) when compared to non-SS subjects. Also, acinar expression positively correlated with focus score values (r 2 = 0.54, p < .02), while ductal epithelial expression showed a negative such correlation (r 2 = 0.74, p < .003). Some PNAD+ endothelial venules also expressed NGAL. An increase in NGAL staining with increased fatty replacement was also observed in pSS patients. Concurringly, a 27% increase in NGAL mRNA levels were also detected in the minor salivary glands of pSS patients when compared to non-SS tissue control subjects. In conclusion, there is a positive association between increase in NGAL expression and inflammation in the pSS disease target organ, which also coincides with its previously demonstrated upregulation in the saliva of pSS patients. Additional functional analyses are needed to better understand the immunological implications of this potential biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Aqrawi
- Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, Institute of Clinical Odontology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Janicke Liaaen Jensen
- Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, Institute of Clinical Odontology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siren Fromreide
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Kathrine Skarstein
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Skarstein K, Jensen JL, Galtung H, Jonsson R, Brokstad K, Aqrawi LA. Autoantigen-specific B cells and plasma cells are prominent in areas of fatty infiltration in salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Autoimmunity 2019; 52:242-250. [DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2019.1684475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Skarstein
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Hilde Galtung
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roland Jonsson
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karl Brokstad
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lara A. Aqrawi
- Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Burbelo PD, Browne S, Holland SM, Iadarola MJ, Alevizos I. Clinical features of Sjögren's syndrome patients with autoantibodies against interferons. Clin Transl Med 2019; 8:1. [PMID: 30604130 PMCID: PMC6314934 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-018-0218-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune attack on the salivary and lacrimal glands. Given the known cytokine activation and type I interferon gene expression signature found in SS, we hypothesized that anticytokine autoantibodies might be detectable by Luciferase immunoprecipitation systems in some SS patients and correlate with clinical symptoms. Results Luciferase immunoprecipitation systems was used to screen for serum anti-cytokine autoantibodies in 57 primary SS patients and 25 healthy volunteers. Autoantibodies were detected against GMCSF, interferon-γ, -α and, -ω in one, two, two and six patients with SS, respectively. None of the healthy volunteers showed anticytokine autoantibodies and none of the SS or control subjects showed autoantibodies against interferon-λ. One 51-year old female SS subject with the highest anti-interferon-α and -ω autoantibody levels had stable autoantibody levels over the course of a year. In vitro functional testing of serum autoantibodies from this subject demonstrated partially neutralizing activity for interferon-α signaling. Clinical information on this individual revealed a low focus score and high levels of unstimulated salivary flow, suggesting the possibility that interferon-α autoantibody neutralizing activity may have contributed to the milder sicca symptoms. Conclusion Overall, these findings demonstrate that a subset of SS patients (16%) harbor autoantibodies against GMCSF, interferon-γ, interferon-ω, and interferon-α. These data support the observation that high levels of interferon-α autoantibodies may attenuate disease symptoms in SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Burbelo
- Dental Clinical Research Core, NIDCR, NIH, Building 10, Room 5N106, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-4410, USA.
| | - Sarah Browne
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Steve M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Ilias Alevizos
- Sjögren's Syndrome and Salivary Gland Dysfunction Unit, NIDCR, NIH, Bethesda, USA
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Burbelo PD, Teos LY, Herche JL, Iadarola MJ, Alevizos I. Autoantibodies against the Immunoglobulin-Binding Region of Ro52 Link its Autoantigenicity with Pathogen Neutralization. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3345. [PMID: 29463848 PMCID: PMC5820281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ro52/TRIM21 plays a key role in antibody-dependent pathogen neutralization and is a major autoantigen in systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and other autoimmune diseases. Here we evaluated immunoreactivity against Ro52-related molecules in SS and healthy volunteers. Although most proteins examined were not antigenic, several TRIM paralogs, including TRIM22, and TRIM38, showed sporadic immunoreactivity in SS. In contrast, the murine Ro52 ortholog with limited linear homology demonstrated high levels of autoantibodies implicating the importance of shared conformational epitopes. To further explore the autoantigencity of Ro52, deletion and point mutant analyses were employed revealing previously hidden, robust autoantibodies directed against its C-terminal immunoglobulin-binding domain. Another autoantibody, rheumatoid factor, targeting the Fc region of IgG, strongly overlapped with Ro52 seropositivity (odds ratio 14; P < 0.0001). These convergent mechanistic findings support a model whereby intracellular Ro52-bound antibody-coated pathogen complexes, released or misprocessed from infected cells, drive autoantigenicity against Ro52 and the Fc region of IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Burbelo
- Dental Clinical Research Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Leyla Y Teos
- Sjögren's Syndrome and Salivary Gland Dysfunction Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jesse L Herche
- Secretory Mechanisms and Dysfunction Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael J Iadarola
- Department of Perioperative Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ilias Alevizos
- Sjögren's Syndrome and Salivary Gland Dysfunction Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Skarstein K, Aqrawi LA, Øijordsbakken G, Jonsson R, Jensen JL. Adipose tissue is prominent in salivary glands of Sjögren's syndrome patients and appears to influence the microenvironment in these organs. Autoimmunity 2016; 49:338-46. [PMID: 27206986 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2016.1183656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A minor salivary gland (SG) biopsy with focal lymphocytic sialadenitis and a focus score of ≥1 is today's widely accepted pathological finding confirming the SG component of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Adipocytes can occupy a large percentage of the SG area although little is known about their significance in SS lesions. This study aimed to characterise adipose tissue infiltration in labial SG biopsies from 27 SS patients and 28 non-SS sicca controls. Biopsies were evaluated by one oral pathologist and assessed for focus score, acinar atrophy, fatty replacement and non-specific chronic inflammation. Moreover, to explore the SG microenvironment, immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded SG tissue was performed using interleukin-6 (IL-6). The fatty replacement was evident in all SS patients possessing autoantibodies (Ro/SSA and/or La/SSB) as well as a positive SG biopsy (focus score ≥1). Additionally, 62% of SS patients having autoantibodies but a negative biopsy showed fatty infiltration (FI) while non-SS controls demonstrated fatty replacement in only 32% of the cases. Overall, the SS group (mean age 53.0 years) had a significantly higher incidence (p value 0.005) of FI than the non-SS controls (mean age 54.8 years). Interestingly, adipocytes were located in IL-6 rich areas, and IL-6 positive adipocytes were detected. As fat deposition seems to be more recurrent in SGs affected by SS, we propose the assessment of adipose tissue replacement as a helpful tool for diagnostic evaluation in SS. Detection of IL-6 positive adipocytes suggests their involvement in immune reactions. Still, functional studies are needed to investigate the SG microenvironment further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Skarstein
- a Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway .,b Department of Pathology , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
| | - Lara A Aqrawi
- a Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway .,c Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine , University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Gunnvor Øijordsbakken
- a Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Roland Jonsson
- d Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway , and.,e Department of Rheumatology , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
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Esfandiary L, Gupta N, Voigt A, Wanchoo A, Chan EKL, Sukumaran S, Nguyen CQ. Single-cell antibody nanowells: a novel technology in detecting anti-SSA/Ro60- and anti-SSB/La autoantibody-producing cells in peripheral blood of rheumatic disease patients. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:107. [PMID: 27184054 PMCID: PMC4869329 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-SSA/Ro60 and anti-SSB/La are essential serological biomarkers for rheumatic diseases, specifically Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Currently, laboratory detection technology and platforms are designed with an emphasis on high-throughput methodology; therefore, the relationship of sensitivity with specificity remains a significant area for improvement. In this study, we used single-cell antibody nanowells (SCAN) technology to directly profile individual B cells producing antibodies against specific autoantigens such as SSA/Ro60 and SSB/La. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll gradient. Fluorescently labeled cells were added to fabricated nanowells and imaged using a high-speed epifluorescence microscope. The microengraving process was conducted using printed slides coated with immunoglobulins. Printed slides were hybridized with fluorescence-conjugated immunoglobulin G (IgG), SSA/Ro60, and SSB/La antigens. Microarray spots were analyzed for nanowells with single live B cells that produced antigen-specific autoantibodies. Results Our results indicate that SCAN can simultaneously detect high frequencies of anti-SSA/Ro60 and anti-SSB/La with a specific IgG isotype in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients, as well as measure their individual secretion levels. The data showed that patients with SS and SLE exhibited higher frequency and greater concentration of anti-SSA/Ro60- and anti-SSB/La-producing B cells in the IgG isotype. Furthermore, individual B cells of patients produced higher levels of IgG-specific anti-SSA/Ro60 autoantibody, but not IgG-specific anti-SSB/La autoantibody, compared with healthy control subjects. Conclusions These results support the application of SCAN as a robust multiparametric analytical bioassay that can directly measure secretion of autoantibody and accurately report antigen-specific, autoantibody-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Esfandiary
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 110880, Gainesville, FL 32611-0880, USA
| | - Nirupama Gupta
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexandria Voigt
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 110880, Gainesville, FL 32611-0880, USA
| | - Arun Wanchoo
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 110880, Gainesville, FL 32611-0880, USA
| | - Edward K L Chan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sukesh Sukumaran
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Cuong Q Nguyen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 110880, Gainesville, FL 32611-0880, USA. .,Center of Orphaned Autoimmune Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Karlsen M, Jonsson R, Brun JG, Appel S, Hansen T. TLR-7 and -9 Stimulation of Peripheral Blood B Cells Indicate Altered TLR Signalling in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients by Increased Secretion of Cytokines. Scand J Immunol 2015; 82:523-31. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Karlsen
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory; Department of Clinical Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - R. Jonsson
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory; Department of Clinical Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
- Department of Rheumatology; Haukeland University Hospital; Bergen Norway
| | - J. G. Brun
- Department of Rheumatology; Haukeland University Hospital; Bergen Norway
- Department of Clinical Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - S. Appel
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory; Department of Clinical Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - T. Hansen
- Department of Clinical Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine; Haukeland University Hospital; Bergen Norway
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9
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Baer AN, Hall JC. Sjögren syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-09138-1.00138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Lisi S, Sisto M, D'Amore M, Lofrumento DD. Co-culture system of human salivary gland epithelial cells and immune cells from primary Sjögren's syndrome patients: an in vitro approach to study the effects of Rituximab on the activation of the Raf-1/ERK1/2 pathway. Int Immunol 2014; 27:183-94. [PMID: 25381666 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxu100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the exocrine glands with associated lymphocytic infiltrates in the affected glands. Dryness of the mouth and eyes results from involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands. The efficacy of Rituximab (RTX) in pSS is still open to debate. This study delineates the signaling pathway involved in RTX-mediated down-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of pSS salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) with syngeneic pSS B-lymphocytes. In addition, the effects of RTX on the activation of the Raf-1/ERK1/2 pathway in pSS SGEC co-cultured with syngeneic pSS T-lymphocytes were also investigated. This study demonstrated that RTX may interfere with the ERK1/2 pathway in a syngeneic co-culture of pSS SGEC with pSS B-lymphocytes, leading to decreased cytokine production by SGEC. These novel findings reveal that syngeneic co-culture of pSS SGEC with pSS B-lymphocytes leads to a down-regulation of Raf-1 in epithelial cells that adversely regulates the activity of the ERK1/2 pathway and determines a subsequent reduction of the release of pro-inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Cell Biology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Margherita Sisto
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Cell Biology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Massimo D'Amore
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Dario Domenico Lofrumento
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce 73100, Italy
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Aqrawi LA, Kvarnström M, Brokstad KA, Jonsson R, Skarstein K, Wahren-Herlenius M. Ductal epithelial expression of Ro52 correlates with inflammation in salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 177:244-52. [PMID: 24673429 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ro52 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase with a prominent regulatory role in inflammation. The protein is a common target of circulating autoantibodies in rheumatic autoimmune diseases, particularly Sjögren's syndrome (SS). In this study we aimed to investigate the expression of the SS target autoantigen Ro52 in salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Ro52 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded and frozen salivary gland biopsies from 28 pSS patients and 19 non-pSS controls from Swedish and Norwegian registries, using anti-human Ro52 monoclonal antibodies. The degree and pattern of staining and inflammation was then evaluated. Furthermore, secreted Ro52 protein was measured in saliva and serum samples from the same individuals through a catch-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ro52 was highly expressed in all the focal infiltrates in pSS patients. Interestingly, a significantly higher degree of Ro52 expression in ductal epithelium was observed in the patients compared to the non-pSS controls (P < 0·03). Moreover, the degree of ductal epithelial expression of Ro52 correlated with the level of inflammation (Spearman's r = 0·48, P < 0·0120). However, no secreted Ro52 protein could be detected in serum and saliva samples of these subjects. Ro52 expression in ductal epithelium coincides with degree of inflammation and is up-regulated in pSS patients. High expression of Ro52 might result in the breakage of tolerance and generation of Ro52 autoantibodies in genetically susceptible individuals. We conclude that the up-regulation of Ro52 in ductal epithelium might be a triggering factor for disease progression in SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Aqrawi
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Aqrawi LA, Skarstein K, Øijordsbakken G, Brokstad KA. Ro52- and Ro60-specific B cell pattern in the salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Clin Exp Immunol 2013; 172:228-37. [PMID: 23574319 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles Ro/SSA and La/SSB, and mononuclear cell infiltration of exocrine tissues, especially salivary and lachrymal glands. Low numbers of autoantigen-specific memory B cells and elevated levels of plasma cells have been detected previously in the peripheral blood (PB) of pSS patients compared to controls. As both Ro52 and Ro60-specific cells have been detected in the salivary glands (SG) of pSS patients, we aimed to characterize the SSA-specific B cell pattern in SG biopsies. A series of double immunohistochemical stainings were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue from 10 well-characterized pSS patients for each Ro52 and Ro60 along with CD19, CD5, CD20 or CD27, respectively. Ro52 and Ro60-specific cells detected in SG tissue were found to be CD19(+) B cells located outside the CD19(+)/CD20(+) B cell zones (BCZ) and also interstitially. These SSA-specific cells were also quantified. No SSA-specific cells were CD5(+), indicating that they do not belong to the B-1 B cell subset. Furthermore, no SSA-specific cells were observed within the CD20(+) BCZ. Hence, no SSA-specific memory B cells were detected in these individuals. Contrary to this, SSA-specific cells were found to be CD19(+)/CD27(++), demonstrating that they are differentiating short or long-lived plasma cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that these lower levels of SSA-specific memory B cells in PB and absence of SSA-specific memory B cells in SG of pSS patients could result from activation of these cells into plasma cells at the site of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Aqrawi
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, The Gade Institute, Bergen, Norway.
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Volchenkov R, Brun JG, Jonsson R, Appel S. In vitro suppression of immune responses using monocyte-derived tolerogenic dendritic cells from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R114. [PMID: 24025795 PMCID: PMC3978468 DOI: 10.1186/ar4294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Therapeutic vaccination with antigen-specific tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) might become a future option of individualized therapy for patients with autoimmune diseases. In this study, we tested the possibility of generating monocyte-derived tolDC from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). We analyzed phenotype, cytokine production and ability to suppress Ro/La-specific immune responses. METHODS Monocyte-derived tolDC from patients with pSS were generated in the presence of dexamethasone, vitamin D3 and lipopolysaccharide (DexVD3 DC). The phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry and the cytokine profile was investigated using a 25-plex Luminex assay and ELISA. The capacity to both stimulate Ro/La-specific T cells and suppress this response was evaluated by autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). RESULTS DC generated from patients with pSS had a similar phenotype and cytokine profile to those from healthy controls. DexVD3 DC from pSS patients induced little antigen-specific T cell proliferation, but DexVD3 DC-primed lymphocytes successfully suppressed Ro/La-specific T cell responses. CONCLUSIONS DexVD3 DC presenting Ro/La antigens might be a promising new therapeutic option for patients with pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Volchenkov
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Johan G Brun
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Section for Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Roland Jonsson
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Silke Appel
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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