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Liver cell surface expression of the antigen reacting with liver-kidney microsomal antibody (LKM)
Abstract:
To test the hypothesis that liver membrane antibodies, found in all liver-kidney microsomal antibody (LKM) positive sera from patients with chronic active hepatitis, were directed against antigens shared by both hepatocellular endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membranes, absorption experiments have been performed using viable isolated hepatocytes and liver microsomes as antigens. Results are in agreement with the above hypothesis, LKM, which displays a restricted organ specificity, is thus able to react with antigenic determinants expressed on the liver cell surface, as it has been demonstrated for strictly organ specific antibodies directed against thyroid, adrenal and gastric parietal cell microsomes.
Insights
Liver-kidney microsomal antibodies (LKM) in chronic active hepatitis target liver cell surface antigens. Absorption experiments confirm LKM antibodies react with determinants on both endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membranes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Chronic active hepatitis is an autoimmune liver disease.
- Liver-kidney microsomal antibodies (LKM) are serological markers associated with certain forms of chronic liver disease.
- The precise antigenic targets of LKM antibodies have been a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that LKM antibodies target antigens shared between hepatocellular endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membranes.
- To determine if LKM antibodies are directed against cell surface antigens of hepatocytes.
Main Methods:
- Absorption experiments were conducted using viable isolated hepatocytes and liver microsomes as antigens.
- Sera from patients positive for LKM antibodies were used in these experiments.
Main Results:
- Results supported the hypothesis that LKM antibodies recognize antigens present on both hepatocellular endoplasmic reticulum and hepatocyte plasma membranes.
- LKM antibodies demonstrated restricted organ specificity, reacting with determinants on the liver cell surface.
Conclusions:
- LKM antibodies are directed against antigenic determinants expressed on the surface of liver cells.
- This finding contributes to understanding the immunopathology of autoimmune liver diseases characterized by LKM antibodies.