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Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: April 16, 2014
Myelin protein Po as a potential autoantigen in autoimmune inner ear disease
M Y Cao1, V J Dupriez, M H Rider
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Laboratory of Autoimmunity, University of Louvain Medical School, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
We have previously shown that a 30,000 Mr protein extracted from guinea pig inner ear tissue is recognized by autoantibodies present in the serum of patients suffering from autoimmune inner ear disease. This protein was localized in the modiolus and in the organ of Corti. We have now identified this protein by a combination of microsequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of its tryptic peptides. A partial sequence of the protein was thereby determined. These data and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting experiments showed that the 30,000 Mr inner ear antigen is the major peripheral myelin protein Po. This suggests that protein Po may be an important autoantigen in autoimmune inner ear disease.
Insights
Researchers identified a key protein in autoimmune inner ear disease. The 30,000 Mr inner ear antigen was found to be the major peripheral myelin protein Po, suggesting it may be a significant autoantigen.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is characterized by autoantibodies targeting inner ear components.
- A 30,000 Mr protein from guinea pig inner ear tissue has been previously identified as a target of these autoantibodies.
- This protein is localized within the modiolus and the organ of Corti.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific 30,000 Mr protein recognized by autoantibodies in AIED patients.
- To determine if this protein plays a role as an autoantigen in the pathogenesis of AIED.
Main Methods:
- Microsequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were employed to analyze tryptic peptides of the purified protein.
- A partial amino acid sequence of the protein was obtained.
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting was performed to compare the antigen with known proteins.
Main Results:
- The identified 30,000 Mr inner ear antigen was conclusively identified as the major peripheral myelin protein Po.
- The protein sequence data and immunological experiments confirmed this identification.
- The localization of Po within the inner ear structures aligns with previous findings.
Conclusions:
- The major peripheral myelin protein Po is a significant autoantigen in patients with autoimmune inner ear disease.
- These findings suggest that Po may be a critical target in the autoimmune response underlying AIED.
- Further investigation into Po as a therapeutic target for AIED is warranted.
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