Target silencing of disease-associated B-lymphocytes by chimeric molecules in SCID model of pristane-induced autoimmunity

Lupus. 2010 Oct;19(11):1261-71. doi: 10.1177/0961203310371153. Epub 2010 Jun 8.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the generation of autoantibodies against a diverse array of self-antigens. The B cells producing immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to double-stranded DNA appear to play a main role in the disease progression. Their specific elimination is a reasonable mechanism for effective therapy of SLE. The presently used approaches for silencing autoreactive disease-associated B cells are nonspecific and more precise therapies are needed. We have previously constructed a chimeric protein molecule consisting of several DNA-mimotope peptides coupled to a rat monoclonal anti-mouse CD32 (FcγRIIb) antibody. The mineral oil pristane induces a lupus-like syndrome in non-autoimmune mice leading to the development of glomerulonephritis and lupus-associated autoantibodies. In the present paper, using a pristane-induced autoimmune model in SCID mice, we analyzed the ability of the chimeric antibody to suppress selectively the autoreactive B lymphocytes by cross-linking B-cell surface immunoglobulin receptors with the inhibitory IgG FcγRIIb receptors. Treatment with DNA-like chimeric molecules inhibited B- and T-cell proliferation, restricted the number of anti-DNA antibody-producing cells and suppressed the generation of IgG anti-DNA antibodies. In contrast, phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected control mice experienced an increase of disease-associated antibody levels and developed glomerulonephritis similar to pristane-treated donor Balb/c mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • DNA / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, SCID*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, IgG / immunology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Terpenes
  • pristane
  • DNA