Identification of two major autoantigens negatively regulating endothelial activation in Takayasu arteritis

Nat Commun. 2020 Mar 9;11(1):1253. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-15088-0.

Abstract

The presence of antiendothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) has been documented in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), a chronic granulomatous vasculitis. Here, we identify cell-surface autoantigens using an expression cloning system. A cDNA library of endothelial cells is retrovirally transfected into a rat myeloma cell line from which AECA-positive clones are sorted with flow cytometry. Four distinct AECA-positive clones are isolated, and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI) are identified as endothelial autoantigens. Autoantibodies against EPCR and SR-BI are detected in 34.6% and 36.5% of cases, respectively, with minimal overlap (3.8%). Autoantibodies against EPCR are also detected in ulcerative colitis, the frequent comorbidity of TAK. In mechanistic studies, EPCR and SR-BI function as negative regulators of endothelial activation. EPCR has also an effect on human T cells and impair Th17 differentiation. Autoantibodies against EPCR and SR-BI block the functions of their targets, thereby promoting pro-inflammatory phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / isolation & purification
  • Autoantibodies / metabolism*
  • Autoantigens / genetics
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Autoantigens / isolation & purification*
  • Autoantigens / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endothelial Cells / immunology*
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Gene Library
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / metabolism
  • Protein C / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Endothelin / metabolism
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / metabolism
  • Takayasu Arteritis / immunology*
  • Takayasu Arteritis / metabolism*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • PROCR protein, human
  • Protein C
  • Receptors, Endothelin
  • Scarb1 protein, rat
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B
  • anti-endothelial cell antibody
  • endothelin protein C receptor, rat