PMID: 2481579Sep 1, 1989Paper

Epitope mapping of autoantigens using recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides.

Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
K B Elkon

Abstract

In order to evaluate mechanisms of autoantibody production, three hypotheses (random polyclonal B cell activation, molecular mimicry and immune response against restricted self antigens) were considered in relation to autoantibody recognition. Polyclonal B cell activation was considered unlikely because lupus sera recognized a relatively small number of eukaryotic protein antigens on immunoblots and failed to show enhanced reactivity against prokaryotic epitopes. Although two interesting examples of molecular mimicry between autoantigens and two different viruses have been suggested, it is yet to be shown that lupus antibodies bind to the shared epitopes on the viruses and that the viruses induce such antibodies. Finally, epitope mapping of several different autoantigens suggest that the antigens are themselves the focus of the immune response and initiate and/or maintain autoantibody production.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur as a result of an attack by the immune system on the body’s own tissues resulting in damage and dysfunction. There are different types of autoimmune diseases, in which there is a complex and unknown interaction between genetics and the environment. Discover the latest research on autoimmune diseases here.