Autoantibodies that bind glomeruli: Cross-reactivity with bacterial antigen

Iftikhar A. Chowdhry, Czeslawa Kowal, John Hardin, Zhijie Zhou, Betty Diamond

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies. Anti-DNA antibodies are associated with glomerulonephritis in SLE. It has been shown that anti-DNA antibodies cross-react with bacterial polysaccharide and, thus, might be elicited by microbial exposure. Non-DNA-binding antibodies also contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. The goal of this study was to characterize non-DNA-binding, kidney-binding antibodies. Methods. We generated a combinatorial library derived from spleen cells of a patient with SLE who had just previously received pneumococcal vaccine. The phage library was used in an in vivo biopanning technique to identify non-DNA-binding, kidney-binding antibodies. Antibodies were then analyzed for binding to bacterial polysaccharide and to renal antigens. Results. Eight antibodies were characterized that bound glomeruli, but not DNA. All antibodies isolated by this protocol were IgG class, suggesting that there is affinity maturation for glomerular binding. Four of the antibodies cross-reacted with pneumococcal polysaccharide. Six of the antibodies bound to renal antigens that have previously been reported to be cross-reactive with DNA; the other 2 bound to histone. Conclusion. This study suggests that both DNA-binding and non-DNA-binding antibodies in SLE may be elicited by the same bacterial antigens.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2403-2410
Number of pages8
JournalArthritis and Rheumatism
Volume52
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Autoantibodies that bind glomeruli: Cross-reactivity with bacterial antigen'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this