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A conformational epitope which detects autoantibodies from schizophrenic patients
Michael Deckmann1, Ramanaiah Mamillapalli, Ludmila Schechtman
1Neurogenic Ltd., P.O. Box 29866, 61298 Tel Aviv, Israel.
Summary
Autoantibodies targeting platelet protein enolase are found in schizophrenia patients. A specific peptide fragment showed significantly higher binding in schizophrenic sera, suggesting a potential biomarker for the disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Autoantibodies against platelets have been previously identified in patients with schizophrenia.
- Enolase is a platelet protein recognized by these autoantibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and sequence an immunoreactive peptide from enolase.
- To investigate a potential conformational epitope on enolase for autoantibody binding.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of a specific enolase-derived peptide in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic digestion of enolase to isolate peptides.
- 3-D structural analysis of enolase to identify buried and surface epitopes.
- Enzyme immunoassay screening of serum samples using the peptide LVVGLCK.
Main Results:
- An immunoreactive peptide was isolated and sequenced from enolase.
- A conformational epitope resembling the peptide was identified on the enolase surface.
- Significantly higher autoantibody binding (O.D.=1.47) was observed in schizophrenic patients compared to controls (O.D.=0.46).
- An inverse correlation between schizophrenia duration and autoantibody levels was found.
Conclusions:
- The identified peptide and its conformational epitope may serve as specific binders for autoantibodies in schizophrenia.
- Autoantibodies targeting this enolase epitope show diagnostic potential for schizophrenia.
- Further screening in diverse mental disorders is ongoing to establish specificity.