Objective. The mechanisms of IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) anti
body induction are incompletely understood. We recently demonstrated a high
prevalence of autoantibodies to the C-terminus of SmD1 in patients with sy
stemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that was closely associated with anti-dsDN
A reactivity. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of
the SmD1 C-terminus on the generation of pathogenic anti-dsDNA antibodies i
n a murine model of SLE.
Methods. Female lupus-prone prenephritic (NZB x NZW)F-1 mice (NZB/NZW mice)
as well as female control BALB/c, NZW, and (BALB/c x NZW)F-1 mice (CWF1 mi
ce) were subcutaneously injected with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-coupl
ed SmD1(83-119). Controls received injections of recombinant SmD1 (rSmD1),
KLH-rSmD1, KLH-coupled randomized peptide of SmD1(83-119), ovalbumin, or sa
line. Animals were monitored for survival and proteinuria and for levels of
plasma creatinine, urea, and autoantibodies. In addition, histologic exami
nations were performed and T cell responses against SmD1(83-119) peptide an
d rSmD1 protein were determined in SmD1(83-119)-treated and -untreated NZB/
NZW mice.
Results. Immunization with KLH-SmD1(83-119), but not with control peptide,
significantly accelerated the natural course of lupus in NZB/NZW mice, with
premature renal failure and increased development of anti-dsDNA antibodies
. Control strains of mice remained healthy, with no relevant anti-SmD1(83-1
19) antibodies detectable even after immunization. In contrast to findings
in control mice, a T cell response against SmD1(83-119) was already present
in unmanipulated NZB/NZW mice, and this response was further amplified aft
er immunization.
Conclusion. The SmD1(83-119) peptide can influence the pathogenic anti-dsDN
A response in the NZB/NZW murine lupus model. The data suggest that an SmD1
(83-119)-specific T cell response is critical. Therefore, modulation of the
se autoantigen-specific T cells by tolerance induction may provide a therap
eutic approach to specific immunosuppression in lupus.