Origins and specificity of auto-antibodies in Sm+ SLE patients. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalinina, Olga; Louzoun, Yoram; Wang, Yue; Utset, Tammy; Weigert, Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of autoimmunity. Volume 90(2018)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Autoimmunity -- Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Smith antigen -- Unswitched memory B cells; Autoimmunity -- Periodicals; Autoimmune diseases -- Periodicals; Autoantibodies -- Periodicals; Autoimmune Diseases -- Periodicals; Auto-immunité -- Périodiques; Maladies auto-immunes -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.978005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.02.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0896-8411

Abstract

Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease accompanied by production of autoantibodies directed to a variety of self-proteins and nucleic acids. The genetic basis of SLE is also complex with at least 40 susceptibility loci identified. This complexity suggests that there are a variety of SLE manifestations; nevertheless, SLE is treated as a single disease clinically. One unique SLE target is the Smith antigen (Sm), a nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex. Sm response occurs in 25% of patients with SLE. To simplify analysis of the disease and its associated autoantibody repertoire, we focused on this subset [referred to here as "Sm positive", Sm+]. We analyzed the memory B cell repertoire and identified a V region, Vκ4-1, which was significantly overrepresented in the Sm+ SLE subset. Antibodies that express Vκ4-1 are enriched in antinuclear (ANA) positive specificities and often associated with speckled ANA pattern that is a characteristic of Sm binding. In healthy individuals Vκ4-1 B cells are enriched in the unswitched memory population. Unswitched memory B cells resemble mouse marginal zone B cells and this population is decreased in all SLE patients. Moreover, we found a similar decrease in healthy African American donors. African Americans have a significantly higher prevalence of SLE compared to Caucasians. Thus, reduced unswitched memory B cell compartment may represent a new susceptibility marker for SLE. Highlights: We show here that Vκ4-1 may determine the Sm specificity. In Sm+ SLE patients Vκ4-1-expressing B cells present in switched memory population. In healthy individuals Vκ4-1-expressing B cells are regulated by sequestration in the unswitched memory population. Unswitched memory population is decreased in healthy African American donors. Decreased unswitched memory population may represent a new susceptibility feature for SLE.