Autoantigen specific T cell responses in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus

Davies, Marie Louise (2000). Autoantigen specific T cell responses in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune diseases characterised by serum autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are IgG class switched and often HLA associated suggesting Th cells are involved in responses directed to proteins to which autoantibodies develop. The aim of this study was to investigate T cell responses to the autoantigens La and β2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GPl) in patients with SLE.
Patients showed a reduced proliferative response to recall and naive antigens compared to healthy individuals. Anti - CD28 antibody, nor resting the cells prior to stimulation, restored the responses to levels seen in healthy individuals. Tetanus toxin vaccination before and after clinical diagnosis did not affect the response to tetanus toxoid. Proliferative responses to β2GPl were identified in patients irrespective of serum antibodies, HLA haplotype or clinical diagnosis. PBMC’s from healthy individuals did not show proliferative responses to β2GPl suggesting that responses are disease associated.
Proliferative responses to synthetic La peptide pools were identified. Quantitative differences in the response between healthy individuals and patients supports the hypothesis of a low level primed response in patients although further work is required. Peptide 49 - 63 was the immunodominant stimulatory peptide although responses could not be differentiated between healthy individuals and patients.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):