CD20 Mimicry by a mAb Rituximab-Specific Linear Peptide: A Potential Tool for Active Immunotherapy of Autoimmune Diseases

Antigen-mimicking peptide (mimotope)-based vaccines are one of the most promising forms of active-immunotherapy. The main drawback of this approach is that it induces antibodies that react poorly with the nominal antigen. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis underlying the weak antibody response induced against the naïve protein after peptide vaccination. For this purpose, we analyzed the fine specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) elicited with a 13-mer linear peptide, complementary to theantigen-combining site of the anti-CD20 mAb, Rituximab, in BALB/c mice. Anti-peptide mAb competed with Rituximab for peptide binding. Even so, they recognized a different antigenic motif from the one recognized by Rituximab. This explains their lack of reactivity with membrane (naïve) CD20. These data indicate that even on a short peptide the immunogenic and antigenic motifs may be different. These findings highlight an additional mechanism for epitope spreading and should be taken into account when designing peptides for vaccine purposes.

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162a Update on Kinoids as an Active Immunotherapy to Combat Pathogenic Cytokines in Viral, Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases: Safety, Immunogenicty

JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes ◽

10.1097/01.qai.0000397349.30674.f6 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 56 ◽

pp. 68

Author(s):

Daniel Zagury ◽

Marie-Lise Gougeon ◽

Marie-Christophe Boissier ◽

Marc Abitbol ◽

Hélène Lebuanec ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autoimmune Diseases ◽

Active Immunotherapy

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Hemolysis of erythrocytes by the hemolytic system from the blood-feeding stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100123854 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 690-691

Author(s):

H. J. Kirch ◽

G. Spates ◽

R. Droleskey ◽

W.J. Kloft ◽

J.R. DeLoach

Keyword(s):

Blood Feeding ◽

Stomoxys Calcitrans ◽

Stable Fly ◽

Digestive Physiology ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Erythrocyte Lysis ◽

Mammalian Blood ◽

Bovine Erythrocytes ◽

Potential Tool

Blood feeding insects have to rely on the protein content of mammalian blood to insure reproduction. A substantial quantity of protein is provided by hemoglobin present in erythrocytes. Access to hemoglobin is accomplished only via erythrocyte lysis. It has been shown that midgut homogenates from the blood feeding stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, contain free fatty acids and it was proposed that these detergent-like compounds play a major role as hemolysins in the digestive physiology of this species. More recently sphingomyelinase activity was detected in midgut preparations of this fly, which would provide a potential tool for the enzymatic cleavage of the erythrocyte's membrane sphingomyelin. The action of specific hemolytic factors should affect the erythrocyte's morphology. The shape of bovine erythrocytes undergoing in vitro hemolysis by crude midgut homogenates from the stable fly was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

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Laryngeal Manifestations of Autoimmune Diseases

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-19-00168 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 439-456

Author(s):

Jenny L. Pierce

Keyword(s):

Autoimmune Disease ◽

Autoimmune Diseases ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Laryngeal Function ◽

The Past ◽

Referral Practices ◽

Timely Referral

Purpose This review article provides an overview of autoimmune diseases and their effects on voice and laryngeal function. Method A literature review was conducted in PubMed. Combinations of the following keywords were used: “autoimmune disease and upper airway,” “larynx,” “cough,” “voice,” “dysphonia,” and “dyspnea.” Precedence was given to articles published in the past 10 years due to recent advances in this area and to review articles. Ultimately, 115 articles were included for review. Results Approximately 81 autoimmune diseases exist, with 18 of those highlighted in the literature as having laryngeal involvement. The general and laryngeal manifestations of these 18 are discussed in detail, in addition to the clinical implications for a laryngeal expert. Conclusions Voice, breathing, and cough symptoms may be an indication of underlying autoimmune disease. However, these symptoms are often similar to those in the general population. Appropriate differential diagnosis and timely referral practices maximize patient outcomes. Guidelines are provided to facilitate correct diagnosis when an autoimmune disease is suspected.

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