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T cell reactivity against the SmD183–119 C terminal peptide in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
  1. G Riemekasten,
  2. C Weiss,
  3. S Schneider,
  4. A Thiel,
  5. A Bruns,
  6. F Schumann,
  7. S Bläss,
  8. G-R Burmester,
  9. F Hiepe
  1. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Schumannstr 20/21, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr G Riemekasten, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Schumannstr 20/21, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
    gabriela.riemekasten{at}charite.de

Abstract

Background: The SmD183–119 peptide is a major target of the B cell response in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objective: To investigate the T cell response directed against this peptide, its disease specificity, and possible impact on SLE pathogenesis.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from 28 patients with SLE and 29 healthy and disease controls were stimulated by the SmD183–119 and the recombinant (r)SmD1 protein, and [3H]thymidine incorporation was measured. Patients with SLE were simultaneously tested for autoantibodies, disease activity, clinical symptoms, and medical treatments.

Results: T cell reactivity against the SmD183–119 peptide was detected in 11/28 (39%) patients with SLE and against the rSmD1 protein in 10/28 (36%) patients. In contrast, only 2/29 (7%) controls exhibited SmD1 reactivity. An analysis of proliferation kinetics showed that SmD1 reactive T cells are activated in vivo, as additionally confirmed by cytometric analysis. Addition of mammalian dsDNA to rSmD1 enhanced the rSmD1-specific T cell response. SmD183–119-specific T cell reactivity was significantly more common in patients with cardiac and pulmonary symptoms. No correlation between T and B cell responses and disease activity was seen.

Conclusion: SmD183–119 is a major T cell epitope of SmD1, commonly recognised by T cells from patients with SLE and much less commonly found by healthy or disease controls. This strong T cell reactivity as well as the high frequency and specificity of anti-SmD183–119 antibodies in SLE suggest a possible role in SLE pathogenesis, at least in a subset of patients.

  • SmD1 peptides
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • T cell reactivity
  • ANA, antinuclear antibodies
  • AU, arbitrary units
  • BSA, bovine serum albumin
  • CFSE, carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester
  • CG, cell growth medium
  • ELISA, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
  • PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • PBS, phosphate buffered saline
  • PHA, phytohaemagglutinin
  • RA, rheumatoid arthritis
  • SI, stimulation index
  • SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus
  • SLEDAI, SLE Disease Activity Index

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