Autoantibodies specific for alpha-enolase in systemic autoimmune disorders

Citation
F. Pratesi et al., Autoantibodies specific for alpha-enolase in systemic autoimmune disorders, J RHEUMATOL, 27(1), 2000, pp. 109-115
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Rheumatology,"da verificare
Journal title
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
ISSN journal
0315162X → ACNP
Volume
27
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
109 - 115
Database
ISI
SICI code
0315-162X(200001)27:1<109:ASFAIS>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
Objective. To analyze the presence and specificity of anti-alpha-enolase an tibodies in various systemic autoimmune diseases. Methods. Sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) were tested by immunoblot on partially purified alpha-enolase from huma n kidney and on beta- and gamma-enolase. The isotype of anti-enolase antibo dies was determined by means of isotype-specific monoclonal antibodies. Results. IgG anti-alpha-enolase antibodies were detected in 9/33 (27%) SLE sera (6/9 patients had active renal disease), in 6/19 sera from patients wi th MC and nephritis, in 0/15 sera from MC patients without renal involvemen t, in 6/20 (30%) SSc sera, in 2/35 (67%) disease controls with RA, and in 2 /32 (6%) healthy controls. The antibodies were not species-specific, but in most cases were specific for the alpha isoform of enolase. The anti-enolas e immune response was not isotypically restricted. In half of the patients with SLE the anti-alpha-enolase and anti-DNA antibodies constituted distinc t antibody populations, while in the other half a partial overlap of the 2 antibody specificities was observed. Conclusion. Anti-alpha-enolase antibodies can frequently be detected in sys temic autoimmune disorders. In SLE and MC they are associated with nephriti s and in SSc they are associated with severe endothelial damage. Alpha-enol ase is ubiquitous, but is highly expressed in the kidney and also on the me mbrane of several cell types including endothelial cells. Thus, anti-alpha- enolase antibodies could contribute to renal injury not only by the local f ormation of immune complexes, but also by direct damage to endothelial cell s.