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Immune abnormalities induced by human endogenous retroviral peptides: with reference to the pathogenesis of systemic

Toshio Naito1, Hitoshi Ogasawara, Hiroshi Kaneko

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Journal of Clinical Immunology
|November 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) may play a role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A synthetic HERV peptide induced immune abnormalities similar to those seen in SLE patients, suggesting a potential pathogenic link.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • P15E is a retroviral transmembrane protein sequence.
  • Synthetic peptide CKS-17, homologous to p15E, induces immune abnormalities.
  • Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) are integrated into the human genome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of a synthetic HERV-derived peptide on immune abnormalities.
  • To explore the potential role of HERV in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Main Methods:

  • A synthetic peptide from HERV clone 4-1 (lambda4-1) was used.
  • Normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with the peptide.
  • Immune responses, including T-cell activation, anergy, and cytokine production (IL-6, IL-16), were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The HERV-derived peptide induced T-cell activation and anergy.
  • The peptide promoted the production of interleukins IL-6 and IL-16.
  • These induced immune changes mimic abnormalities observed in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

  • The synthetic HERV peptide can induce SLE-related immune abnormalities.
  • HERV may function as a pathogen in the development of human SLE.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the role of HERV in SLE pathogenesis.

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