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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

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Cross-reactivity and sequence similarity between microbial transglutaminase and human tissue antigens

Aaron Lerner1,2, Carina Benzvi3, Aristo Vojdani4

  • 1Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer, Israel. aaronlerner1948@gmail.com.

Scientific Reports
|October 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Microbial transglutaminase (mTG), a food additive, may trigger autoimmune diseases. Studies show mTG shares similarities with human antigens, suggesting a link to autoimmunity development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Food Science

Background:

  • Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) is a bacterial enzyme used as a food additive.
  • Its use may generate novel immunogenic epitopes, potentially leading to autoimmunity.
  • The role of mTG in autoimmune disease development requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contribution of microbial transglutaminase (mTG) to autoimmunity.
  • To analyze epitope similarity and cross-reactivity between mTG and human autoantigens.

Main Methods:

  • Sequence alignment using Emboss Matcher to compare mTG with autoimmune disease-associated antigens.
  • ELISA assays utilizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against mTG to test reactivity with 77 human tissue antigens.

Main Results:

  • Six human antigens showed significant sequence homology with mTG immunogenic epitopes.
  • mTG antibodies reacted significantly with 17 out of 77 tested antigens, notably mitochondrial M2, ANA, and extractable nuclear antigens.

Conclusions:

  • Sequence similarity and cross-reactivity between mTG and human tissue antigens are demonstrated.
  • These findings support a potential link between microbial transglutaminase exposure and the development of autoimmune disorders.

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