Lipid presentation by the protein C receptor links coagulation with autoimmunity

Science. 2021 Mar 12;371(6534):eabc0956. doi: 10.1126/science.abc0956.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) cause severe autoimmune disease characterized by vascular pathologies and pregnancy complications. Here, we identify endosomal lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) presented by the CD1d-like endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) as a pathogenic cell surface antigen recognized by aPLs for induction of thrombosis and endosomal inflammatory signaling. The engagement of aPLs with EPCR-LBPA expressed on innate immune cells sustains interferon- and toll-like receptor 7-dependent B1a cell expansion and autoantibody production. Specific pharmacological interruption of EPCR-LBPA signaling attenuates major aPL-elicited pathologies and the development of autoimmunity in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, aPLs recognize a single cell surface lipid-protein receptor complex to perpetuate a self-amplifying autoimmune signaling loop dependent on the cooperation with the innate immune complement and coagulation pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / biosynthesis
  • Antigen Presentation*
  • Autoantibodies / biosynthesis
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Blood Coagulation / immunology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Embryo Loss / immunology
  • Endosomes / immunology
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor / genetics
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / blood
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lysophospholipids / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Monoglycerides / immunology*
  • Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase / metabolism
  • Thrombosis / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7 / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Autoantibodies
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Monoglycerides
  • Procr protein, mouse
  • Toll-Like Receptor 7
  • bis(monoacylglyceryl)phosphate
  • Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase