Related Experiment Videos
Molecular mimicry in Reiter's syndrome: cytotoxicity and ELISA studies of HLA-microbial relationships
Abstract:
The pathogenic links between HLA antigens, certain bacterial infections and arthritis have not yet been characterized. The hypothesis of cross-reactivity between HLA B27, the marker of disease susceptibility for these disorders, and the provocative microorganism has been suggested by studies of Klebsiella and ankylosing spondylitis. The present study examines the possibility of molecular mimicry between HLA B27 and two organisms implicated more directly in reactive arthritis, Yersinia enterocolitica and Chlamydia trachomatis. Antibodies against these organisms were obtained both from patients and from antisera raised in rabbits. Neither source of antibacterial antibody was specifically cytotoxic for HLA B27-positive lymphocytes, even when the target cells were derived from patients with recent infections due to these organisms. In addition, monoclonal antibodies against HLA B27 (M1 and M2) showed no reactivity with antigens from these organisms in an ELISA system. These data do not support the notion of molecular mimicry as being the basis of immunogenetic susceptibility to reactive arthritis and Reiter's syndrome following infections with Y. enterocolitica and C. trachomatis.
Insights
This study investigated molecular mimicry between HLA B27 and bacteria causing reactive arthritis. Findings do not support molecular mimicry as the cause of HLA B27-associated arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The association between HLA B27, bacterial infections, and arthritis is not fully understood.
- Molecular mimicry between HLA B27 and causative microorganisms is a proposed mechanism for reactive arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate molecular mimicry between HLA B27 and Yersinia enterocolitica or Chlamydia trachomatis.
- To determine if this mimicry contributes to immunogenetic susceptibility in reactive arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Antibodies from patients and rabbits against Y. enterocolitica and C. trachomatis were tested for cytotoxicity against HLA B27 lymphocytes.
- Monoclonal antibodies against HLA B27 were assessed for reactivity with bacterial antigens using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Antibacterial antibodies did not show specific cytotoxicity for HLA B27-positive lymphocytes.
- Monoclonal anti-HLA B27 antibodies did not react with Y. enterocolitica or C. trachomatis antigens.
Conclusions:
- The study's data do not support molecular mimicry as the basis for HLA B27-associated susceptibility to reactive arthritis.
- Alternative mechanisms may explain the link between HLA B27, infections, and arthritis.