Y. Shoenfeld, B. Gilburd, M. Abu-Shakra, H. Amital, O. Barzilai, Y. Berkun, M. Blank, G. Zandman-Goddard, U. Katz, I. Krause, P. Langevitz, Y. Levy, H. Orbach, V. Pordeus, M. Ram, Y. Sherer, E. Toubi and Y. Tomer
Y. Shoenfeld, G. Zandman-Goddard, L. Stojanovich, M. Cutolo, H. Amital, Y. Levy, M. Abu-Shakra, O. Barzilai, Y. Berkun, M. Blank, J.F. de Carvalho, A. Doria, B. Gilburd, U. Katz, I. Krause, P. Langevitz, H. Orbach, V. Pordeus, M. Ram, E. Toubi and Y. Sherer
Y. Shoenfeld, M. Blank, M. Abu-Shakra, H. Amital, O. Barzilai, Y. Berkun, N. Bizzaro, B. Gilburd, G. Zandman-Goddard, U. Katz, I. Krause, P. Langevitz, I.R. Mackay, H. Orbach, M. Ram, Y. Sherer, E. Toubi and M.E. Gershwin
M. Blank and Y. Shoenfeld
Idiotypic analyses of anti-DNA autoantibodies were widely reported a decade ago. More than 100 studies were conducted on one of the main analyzed idiotypes, the 16/6 Id of the anti-ssDNA monoclonal antibody. In this review we summarize current knowledge on the characteristics of the 16/6 Id, its link to infection and its target epitopes on other molecules known so far. This includes the modulation of T and B cell responses and gene expression by the 16/6 mAb in vitro and in vivo. We focus on the ability and mechanisms by which this idiotype induces experimental lupus in naïve mice, manifested by autoantibody spread, kidney and brain involvement, and leukopenia associated with enhanced sedimentation rate. We also discuss various therapeutic modalities to treat 16/6 induced lupus in mice.
V. Pordeus, O. Barzilai, Y. Sherer, R.R. Luiz, M. Blank, N. Bizzaro, D. Villalta, J-M. Anaya and Y. Shoenfeld
Background: Infectious agents are important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease since they are a major part of the environmental trigger of autoimmunity. A negative relationship between latitude and infectious disease species richness has been suggested.
Objectives: To examine whether their prevalence differs in two latitudinally different populations.
Methods: The prevalence of infections with Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Treponema pallidum was compared between subjects from Italy and Colombia.
Results: We found high titers of antibodies against four of five microorganisms tested, Toxoplasma gondii (50.8%), rubella virus (German measles) (75%), cytomegalovirus (86.3%), Epstein-Barr virus (83.3%) and Treponema pallidum (6.3%) in completely healthy individuals from a tropical country (Colombia) and a European country (Italy). Differences between two groups of volunteers were noted regarding two infectious agents. The prevalence of immunoglobulin G anti-rubella antibodies was significantly higher among Italian subjects (85% vs. 67.9%, P = 0.002), whereas antibodies against CMV were less prevalent among Italian as compared to Colombian subjects (77% vs. 92.9%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: These differences might also result in a different tendency towards development of autoimmune diseases associated with these infectious agents in different populations.