Related Experiment Videos
Autoantigens in human neuroblastoma cells
J Srinivasan1, A P Hays, F P Thomas
1Department of Neurology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY 10032.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Neuroblastoma cells express autoantigens like HNK-1 and neurofilament protein (NFH) that bind naturally occurring autoantibodies. These cells can serve as models for studying autoimmune neuropathies and motor neuron diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cell Biology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Neuroblastoma cells are utilized in research on autoimmune neurological disorders.
- Naturally occurring autoantibodies in human sera can target neuronal components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of autoantigens in the human neuroblastoma cell line LAN-5.
- To determine if these autoantigens react with naturally occurring autoantibodies found in human sera.
Main Methods:
- Immunostaining of neuroblastoma cells for HNK-1, Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc, and neurofilament protein (NFH).
- Western blot analysis to identify glycoprotein bands associated with HNK-1 and Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc epitopes.
- Northern blot analysis to examine NFH RNA expression in neuroblastoma, adrenal cells, and normal brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Neuroblastoma cells showed positive immunostaining for HNK-1 and Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc on the surface, and NFH in the cytoplasm and processes.
- HNK-1 and Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc epitopes were linked to several glycoproteins, with HNK-1 also associated with a glycolipid similar to 3-sulfoglucuronyl paragloboside (SGPG).
- Northern blot revealed distinct NFH RNA patterns in neuroblastoma and adrenal cells compared to normal brain, supporting a common cellular origin.
Conclusions:
- The human neuroblastoma cell line LAN-5 expresses autoantigens reactive with naturally occurring autoantibodies.
- These cells are a valuable tool for studying anti-neuronal antibodies implicated in autoimmune neuropathies.
- Distinguishing target autoantibodies from other serum autoantibodies is crucial in such investigations.