Monoclonal antibodies against human ribosomal P proteins penetrate into living cells and cause apoptosis of Jurkat T cells in culture

Objective. This study was designed to determine the role or autoantibodies to the ribosomal P protein (anti-P Abs) in the pathogenesis of systemic lup us erythematosus (SLE) using monoclonal anti-P antibodies (anti-P mAbs). Methods. Anti-P mAbs were prepared by a standard hybridoma procedure using recombinant human P1 and P2 proteins as immunogens. We studied the reactivi ties of these mAbs to P proteins, their binding and penetration capabilitie s in different cell lines and their apoptotic effects on Jurkat T cells. Results. In addition to recognizing human P0, P1 and P2 proteins, the anti- P mAb 9B6-4 bound to 20-40% and penetrated 50-90% of astrocytes, Jurkat T c ells and lung cancer cells via the P0 surface protein. Treatment with the m Ab 9B6-4 also caused increases in the percentages of Jurkat T cells in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle (14.8%,) and undergoing apoptosis (21.3%). Conclusion. Anti-P autoantibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of ly mphopenia or lymphocyte dysfunction in SLE.