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GDP-L-Fucose Synthase is a CD4+ T Cell–Specific Autoantigen in DRB3*02:02 Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Science Translational Medicine
  • Raquel Planas, University of Zurich - Switzerland
  • Radleigh Santos, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies
  • Paula Tomas-Ojer, University of Zurich - Switzerland
  • Carolina Cruciani, University of Zurich - Switzerland
  • Andreas Lutterotti, University of Zurich - Switzerland
  • Wolfgang Faigle, University of Zurich - Switzerland
  • Nicole Schaeren-Wiemers, University Hospital Basel - Switzerland
  • Carmen Espejo, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona - Spain
  • Herena Eixarch, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona - Spain
  • Clemencia Pinilla, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies
  • Roland Martin, University of Zurich - Switzerland
  • Mireia Sospedra, University of Zurich - Switzerland
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-10-2018
Disciplines
Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that develops in genetically susceptible individuals and likely requires environmental triggers. The autoantigens and molecular mimics triggering the autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis remain incompletely understood. By using a brain-infiltrating CD4+ T cell clone that is clonally expanded in multiple sclerosis brain lesions and a systematic approach for the identification of its target antigens, positional scanning peptide libraries in combination with biometrical analysis, we have identified guanosine diphosphate (GDP)–L-fucose synthase as an autoantigen that is recognized by cerebrospinal fluid–infiltrating CD4+ T cells from HLA-DRB3*–positive patients. Significant associations were found between reactivity to GDP-L-fucose synthase peptides and DRB3*02:02 expression, along with reactivity against an immunodominant myelin basic protein peptide. These results, coupled with the cross-recognition of homologous peptides from gut microbiota, suggest a possible role of this antigen as an inducer or driver of pathogenic autoimmune responses in multiple sclerosis.

Comments

©2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works

Additional Comments
DFG Center grant #s: SFB 841, SNF: 310030_146945; European Research Council Advanced Grant #: 340733
DOI
10.1126/scitranslmed.aat4301
Citation Information
Raquel Planas, Radleigh Santos, Paula Tomas-Ojer, Carolina Cruciani, et al.. "GDP-L-Fucose Synthase is a CD4+ T Cell–Specific Autoantigen in DRB3*02:02 Patients with Multiple Sclerosis" Science Translational Medicine Vol. 10 Iss. 462 (2018) p. eaat4301 ISSN: 1946-6234
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/radleigh-santos/38/