Molecular structure and function of autoantigens in systemic sclerosis

Expression of a non-DNA-binding Ikaros isoform exclusively in B cells leads to autoimmunity but not leukemogenesis

Ikaros is a transcriptional regulator whose function is essential for B cell development. It is expressed in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) through the mature B cell stage. Using genetically engineered mice in which the endogenous Ikaros gene is disrupted, it has been shown that a lack of Ikaros leads to a block in B cell development and that its severe diminution results in a hyperresponsive B cell compartment. Ikaros expression within the HSC has led to speculation as to whether the role of Ikaros in B cell biology is largely accomplished prior to B cell specification. In addition, widespread expression of Ikaros in hematopoietic cells leads to the possibility that some or all of the observed defects are not B cell autonomous. In this report, we demonstrate that over-expression of a dominant interfering Ikaros isoform exclusively in B cells has profound effects on mature B cell function. We provide evidence that continued high-level expression of Ikaros is essential for homeostasis of peripheral lymphocytes and maintenance of B cell tolerance. We also show that deregulation of Ikaros activity does not rapidly result in B cell leukemogenesis as it does with 100% penetrance within the T cell lineage.

How special is a pathogenic CNS autoantigen? Immunization to many CNS self-antigens does not induce autoimmune disease

Recent work has shown neuro-protective effects of immunization with self-CNS antigens in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases and CNS trauma. The major concern with such an approach is the inadvertent induction of autoimmune disease. The present work was initiated to study the incidence of autoimmune disease associated with the induction of T cell autoimmunity to a panel of 70 peptides derived from CNS proteins. Using a MHC class II motif developed in our laboratory to identify candidate peptides, we selected 70 peptides from 40 different CNS proteins. The proteins were selected randomly and represented various biological functions (surface receptors, structural proteins, synaptic proteins, neurodegeneration related proteins). Each peptide was emulsified in CFA and injected to autoimmune-prone Lewis rats. Immunogenicity was verified by peptide-specific LN cell proliferation. In addition, T cell lines were generated for many peptides and tested by adoptive transfer. Except for the previously reported pathogenicity of beta-synuclein, none of the 68 peptides from 39 proteins was found to induce CNS disease in recipient rats. These findings underscore the efficiency of immunological regulation in preventing CNS autoimmune disease, and confirm the uniqueness of the well-known pathogenic CNS auto-antigens.

Xenobiotic-Induced Recruitment of Autoantigens to Nuclear Proteasomes Suggests a Role for Altered Antigen Processing in Scleroderma

The cell nucleus is a prominent target of autoantibodies in systemic autoimmune disorders. Approximately 2% of the population in Europe and North America suffers from systemic rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and scleroderma. The molecular mechanisms of systemic autoimmunity are largely unknown despite its high prevalence. Contributing factors that have been considered include (1) genetic predisposition, (2) influence of hormones, and (3) environmental factors. The latter are mainly correlated with the generation of scleroderma, as xenobiotic-induced subsets of this disease have been observed in individuals exposed to silica (SiO(2)) dusts, organic solvents, heavy metals, and certain drugs. In addition to the epidemiological relevance, animal models of xenobiotic-induced autoimmunity serve as elegant tools for controlled induction of antigen-driven autoimmune responses. Because antigen processing and presentation constitute the basis for every antigen-driven autoimmune response, effects of xenobiotics on degradation of nuclear autoantigens have been characterized to elucidate molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity that target the cell nucleus. By means of a cell-based disease model, it has been shown that xenobiotics such as mercuric chloride, platinum salts, and silica (nano)particles specifically alter structure, function, and proteolysis in the cell nucleus. Signature proteins of the cell nucleus redistribute to aberrant, nucleoplasmic clusters, where they colocalize with proteasomes and are subjected to proteasomal proteolysis. Recruitment of nuclear autoantigens to proteasomal degradation is correlated with autoimmune responses that specifically target these antigens in both animal models of xenobiotic-induced autoimmunity and patients with idiopathic scleroderma.

Specific inhibition of rRNA transcription and dynamic relocation of fibrillarin induced by mercury

Current evidence suggests that the nucleolus is composed of different substructures that are dynamic and form in response to the requirement for new ribosome synthesis. Thus, agents that disrupt nucleolar organization may deregulate basic cellular events and eventually contribute to human disease. Here we report that environmentally relevant concentrations (5 microM) of inorganic mercury induce a redistribution of nucleolar protein fibrillarin from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm in epithelial cell lines. Since treatment with transcription inhibitors led to a similar relocation of fibrillarin, the effects of mercury on transcription were studied by run-on transcription assays: mercuric ions specifically blocked synthesis of ribosomal RNA, whereas activity of RNA polymerase II remained unchanged and occurred throughout the nucleoplasm. Moreover, we show by double-labeling that inhibition of nucleolar transcription and redistribution of fibrillarin occur simultaneously, underlining that fibrillarin relocation is a consequence of the blockade of ribosomal RNA synthesis by mercury. We also detected redistribution of fibrillarin in vivo, e.g., in splenic cells of mice chronically exposed to HgCl(2). Thus, implications of this alteration of nuclear structure and function for mercury-induced autoimmunity are discussed.

Systemic sclerosis. A vascular perspective

The horizon is bright for SSc in a vascular context. Surrogate markers can now be routinely used in the management of the active patient; new cytokines, such as VEGF, can be studied along with the known abnormalities of the cytokine cascade (TGF beta 1, PDGF) for a more integrated understanding of the vascular pathogenesis of SSc (Fig. 6); and combination therapies can be applied before vascular insufficiency leads to vital organ failure. Thus, despite reimbursement and research funding constraints, the future for both the SSc patient and the investigator of SSc is optimistic when based on a firm biologic foundation.