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Epitope spreading within lupus-associated ribonucleoprotein antigens
Umesh S Deshmukh1, Harini Bagavant, Janet Lewis
1Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Specialized Center of Research on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Department of Internal Medicine, HSC Box 800412, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. usd7w@virginia.edu
Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.)
|August 13, 2005
Summary
Autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) target ribonucleoprotein antigens. Epitope spreading, a mechanism where the immune response expands to new targets, is observed in animal models and is relevant to SLE pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by autoantibodies against cellular antigens.
- Ribonucleoprotein complexes, including Ro-RNP and snRNP, are frequent targets of these autoantibodies.
- The evolution of autoantibody responses in SLE is complex and not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review animal model systems demonstrating epitope spreading in ribonucleoprotein antigens.
- To discuss the mechanisms underlying epitope spreading in the context of SLE.
- To explore the relevance of epitope spreading for the pathogenesis of SLE.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental animal models of epitope spreading.
- Analysis of immunological mechanisms driving epitope spreading.
- Correlation of epitope spreading with disease manifestations in SLE models.
Main Results:
- Animal models provide evidence for epitope spreading in ribonucleoprotein antigens.
- Epitope spreading involves the expansion of autoimmune responses to new epitopes.
- This phenomenon is implicated in the progression and severity of autoimmune diseases like SLE.
Conclusions:
- Epitope spreading is a key mechanism in the development of autoantibody responses in SLE.
- Understanding epitope spreading in animal models offers insights into SLE pathogenesis.
- Targeting epitope spreading may represent a future therapeutic strategy for SLE.