Mapping of the immunodominant T cell epitopes of the protein topoisomerase I. Issue 8 (12th July 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Veeraraghavan, S; Renzoni, E A; Jeal, H; Jones, M; Hammer, J; Wells, A U; Black, C M; Welsh, K I; du Bois, R M
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 63:Issue 8(2004)
• Page Start: 982
• Page End: 987
• Publication Date: 2004-07-12
• Subjects: ATA, antitopoisomerase antibody -- EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis -- IL, interleukin -- MHC, major histocompatibility complex -- PHA, phytohaemagglutinin -- PLP, proteolipid protein -- SI, stimulation index -- SSc, systemic sclerosis -- TNFα, tumour necrosis factor α -- TT, tetanus toxoid; scleroderma -- autoantigen -- topoisomerase I; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2003.008037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To identify the immunodominant T cell epitopes of the topoisomerase I protein in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and control subjects, using computational analysis software (TEPITOPE) and T cell proliferation assays. Methods: Six oligopeptides, predicted by TEPITOPE software as potential topoisomerase protein epitopes, were used to perform T cell proliferation assays in 21 patients with SSc and 15 healthy controls. Results: A positive response to at least one of the peptides was seen in 10/21 patients and 7/15 healthy controls. Among responders, the proliferative response was limited to a single peptide in 6/7 healthy controls, whereas 5/10 patients responded to more than one peptide. In responding patients a significant correlation was found between disease duration and number of peptides inducing a response (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Several T cell epitopes of the topoisomerase I protein have been identified and evidence has been found to suggest epitope spreading in patients with SSc.