Cross-reactivity of anti-galactocerebroside autoantibodies with a Trypanosoma brucei proteolipidic epitope

Citation
M. Girard et al., Cross-reactivity of anti-galactocerebroside autoantibodies with a Trypanosoma brucei proteolipidic epitope, CLIN EXP IM, 119(3), 2000, pp. 516-522
Citations number
39
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Immunology
Journal title
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN journal
0009-9104 → ACNP
Volume
119
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
516 - 522
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-9104(200003)119:3<516:COAAWA>2.0.ZU;2-V
Abstract
Pathogenic mechanisms of the demyelinating encephalopathy featuring the ner vous phase of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) are largely unknown. They might include autoimmune disorders. A variety of autoantibodies is detecte d during the disease and we have previously evidenced anti-galactocerebrosi de (GalC) antibodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patien ts in the nervous stage (stage II) of HAT. We now show that anti-GalC antib odies recognize an antigen located on the parasite membrane and common to d ifferent strains of trypanosomes. By using affinity chromatography with a r abbit anti-GalC antiserum, a 52-kD proteolipid was isolated from the membra ne of Trypanosoma brucei (T. b.) brucei AnTat 1.9, AnTat 1.1E, and T. b. rh odesiense Etat 1.2/R and Etat 1.2/S. Antibodies directed against this antig en were found in the CSF from patients with nervous stage HAT. These CSF al so contained anti-GalC antibodies and adsorption with the proteolipid decre ased anti-GalC reactivity. Immunization of mice with this antigen induced t he production of antibodies which cross-reacted with GalC but no protection from experimental infection with T. b. brucei. These data support the hypo thesis that anti-GalC antibodies detected in the CSF from HAT patients migh t be induced by molecular mimicry with a parasite antigen.