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A 230-kD basic protein is the major bullous pemphigoid antigen
S Mueller1, V Klaus-Kovtun, J R Stanley
1Dermatology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigen is primarily a 230-kD polypeptide found in human keratinocytes and epidermis. This study confirms its major role and characterizes its properties for better understanding of BP.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease.
- Previous studies suggested heterogeneity in the molecular weight of BP antigen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the 230-kD polypeptide as the major bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigen.
- To further characterize this 230-kD polypeptide and compare it between cultured keratinocytes and epidermal extracts.
Main Methods:
- Immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled cultured human keratinocytes.
- Immunoblotting of normal human epidermal extracts.
- Affinity purification of BP IgG and immunofluorescence.
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- 36/37 BP sera immunoprecipitated the 230-kD polypeptide; 11/13 identified it via immunoblotting.
- Immunoprecipitation was more sensitive than immunoblotting for detecting the 230-kD antigen.
- The 230-kD polypeptide shared epitopes with the epidermal basement membrane zone.
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed the BP antigen as a single basic spot (pI ~8).
Conclusions:
- The 230-kD polypeptide is the major bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigen.
- This antigen is consistent between cultured keratinocytes and normal epidermis.
- While other polypeptides may be detected, the 230-kD protein is the primary target in BP.