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Human monoclonal autoantibodies that react with both pancreatic islets and thyroid
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Researchers identified common human autoantibodies targeting both the pancreas and thyroid. This discovery utilized Epstein-Barr virus transformation of lymphocytes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Autoantibodies play a role in autoimmune diseases affecting endocrine glands.
- The presence and specificity of autoantibodies in the general population are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize monoclonal autoantibodies reacting with human pancreatic islets.
- To investigate the prevalence of lymphocytes producing autoantibodies against both pancreatic islets and thyroid.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were transformed using Epstein-Barr virus.
- Rat insulinoma cells were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect autoantibody reactivity.
- Isolated monoclonal autoantibodies were cloned and further tested for reactivity against human thyroid tissue.
Main Results:
- Six monoclonal autoantibodies that react with human pancreatic islets were successfully isolated and cloned.
- All six identified autoantibodies also demonstrated reactivity with human thyroid tissue.
- These findings suggest a common B cell repertoire capable of producing autoantibodies against both organs.
Conclusions:
- Autoantibodies targeting both the pancreas and thyroid are common in the human B cell repertoire.
- This suggests a potential shared autoimmune mechanism or cross-reactivity in endocrine autoimmunity.
- Further research is warranted to explore the implications for autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis.
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