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Sequence homologies between hsp60 and autoantigens
D B Jones1, A F Coulson, G W Duff
1Dept of Medicine, Arrowe Park Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Immunology Today
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Human heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) homology with autoantigens suggests cross-reactivity contributes to autoimmune diseases. Individual differences in MHC class II may dictate specific autoimmune responses to hsp60 epitopes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Human heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) shares sequence homology with numerous autoantigens.
- This homology is implicated in various autoimmune conditions, including diabetes, thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of sequence homology between hsp60 and autoantigens.
- To propose a mechanism for autoimmunity involving cross-reactivity between hsp60 and tissue-specific proteins.
- To explore the role of MHC class II in directing autoimmune responses.
Main Methods:
- Sequence homology analysis between hsp60 and known autoantigens.
- Epitope mapping to identify shared motifs.
- Correlation analysis with MHC class II variations.
Main Results:
- Significant sequence homology was observed between hsp60 and a wide array of autoantigens.
- Evidence suggests cross-reactivity between hsp60 epitopes and similar motifs in tissue-specific proteins.
- MHC class II genotype appears to influence the selection of specific hsp60 epitopes and subsequent autoimmune targets.
Conclusions:
- The sequence homology of hsp60 with autoantigens is a significant factor in the development of autoimmune diseases.
- Cross-reactivity mediated by shared epitopes between hsp60 and self-proteins is a plausible mechanism for initiating autoimmunity.
- Individual genetic variations, particularly in MHC class II, play a crucial role in determining susceptibility to specific autoimmune disorders triggered by hsp60.