Epithelial deposits of immunoglobulin G1 and activated complement co-localize with the "M(r) 40kD" putative auto-antigen in ulcerative colitis

Abstract

In conclusion, the "M(r) 40kD" antigen is expressed on the apical face of colonic enterocytes often in spatial relation to immune complexes in active UC, apparently targeting an IgG1-mediated autoimmune attack. Thus, our findings support the notion that an autoimmune response to the "M(r) 40kD" antigen, with local production of specific IgG1, is a possible immunopathological mechanism(s) in UC.