HLA-B27分子及其与强直性脊柱炎关联的研究进展

HLA-B27是MHCⅠ类分子,因而具有MHCⅠ类分子的相关生物学特性。在正常免疫状态下,HLA-B27分子执行对内源性抗原如肿瘤及病毒的免疫监视及杀伤功能;但在机体免疫状态出现异常的情况下,它又可能成为引发自身免疫性疾病的主要相关因素,其中最为著名的是其与强制性脊柱炎(AS)的关联研究。我们首先概述了HLAB27分子正常免疫学功能的研究进展,然后对其在AS相关性研究中的进展进行了总结和分析。通过对上述两方面的综述与分析,全方位展示HLA-B27在执行免疫学功能和引发免疫病理性改变方面的作用,为全面认识和深入研究HLA-B27分子的生理与病理学作用提供坚实的基础。     

ERAP1与强直性脊柱炎关系研究进展

HLA-B27作为强直性脊柱炎(ankylosing spondylitis,AS)的一个遗传学标志和致病因子为人们所熟知,但随着基因检测技术的发展,更多与AS相关的基因被发现,包括ERAP1。ERAP1的主要功能是剪切合适长度的抗原肽,以便MHC-I类分子提呈,功能异常的ERAP1与AS发病相关。在此过程中,ERAP1与HLA-B27密切配合。ERAP1分子多态性产生异常抗原肽提呈谱和HLA-B27分子表达,并通过固有免疫和适应性免疫机制介导AS发病。现围绕ERAP1基因与AS的关系、ERAP1基因单核苷酸多态性与其功能改变以及ERAP1参与AS的免疫机制作一综述。     

ERAP1基因多态性和HLA-B27相互作用与强直性脊柱炎关联的研究进展

HLA-B27阳性患者人群中,内质网氨基肽酶1(ERAP1)基因多态性与强直性脊柱炎(AS)密切相关。内质网中,ERAP1可有效剪切抗原肽,使其成为适合HLA-Ⅰ类分子提呈的寡肽。ERAP1基因多态性决定N端抗原肽修剪功能的正常与否以及HLA-B27分子的稳定表达。细胞水平的研究表明,不同ERAP1等位基因组合对于抗原肽底物的修剪能力决定了B27分子能否在细胞表面稳定表达。但是,功能型与功能异常型ERAP1如何影响HLA-B27抗原肽加工、B27稳定表达,以及如何影响AS疾病进程和免疫病理学改变等均未得到阐明。     

生命信息安全控制原理的再探讨

建立生命信息安全控制原理的理论性平台,由该平台的视野分析免疫学所涉及的诸多理论问题,譬如免疫记忆、免疫功能等方面,并针对性进行归纳以及绘制出相关图形,试图将免疫学理论中所呈现的纷繁复杂性的方面以及过于分散的条块更加条理化、清晰化及整体化。由逻辑学的层面讨论免疫学学名的形成,分析结果:免疫学学名应归结为主观是非逻辑意识产物,并主张认识论应回归自然生成逻辑的观点。免疫记忆在本质上是对遗传信息的记忆,离开了遗传信息的识别与分析就不存在免疫记忆。众多学者的系列研究资料表明,CD4+T细胞在CD8+T细胞反应的起始就辅助其发挥作用,并维持其记忆细胞功能,而CD4+T细胞的记忆是由TCR-MHCⅡ信号所决定。X线晶体衍射及三维结构图所显示MHCII类肽结合凹槽内的多肽更能显示出呈递多肽遗传信息的功能,而MHCI类分子肽结合凹槽内的多肽难以与呈递多肽遗传信息的功能联系起来。只有辅助性T细胞是决定与辅助记忆的细胞,其不仅决定B细胞胸腺依赖性抗原的记忆,而且决定CD8+T细胞的记忆性。对生命信息识别从记忆属性层面进行分类,即分为遗传信息密码识别(记忆属性)和非遗传信息密码识别(非记忆属性)2大类。通过危险因素、生命信息感应器、信息识别及应答调控这样4个相连贯环节的分析,绘制出生命信息安全控制原理图。从功能效应层面进行讨论,将生命信息安全控制的功效分类为正面功能效应和负面功能效应2大类,其中将组织修复归结为正面功能效应,创伤引起的无菌性炎症归结为负面功能效应。绘制出生命信息安全控制功效图,并讨论了生命信息安全控制功效图的建立在理论方面的重要意义。     

用组合肽库技术分析HLA-B27的抗原提呈模式

HLA分子抗原表位提呈模式的分析,在自身免疫病和肿瘤的病因与治疗研究方面有重要意义。本研究采用组合肽库的策略合成19组ORX7型肽亚库,通过与荧光素标记肽的竞争结合试验,分析了与强直性脊柱炎有强相关的HLA-B27分子的抗原提呈模式。结果显示HLA-B27与P1为不同氨基酸残基的19种肽亚库有相近的结合率,提示P1为非锚定残基;中国人群最常见的二种HLA-B27亚型B*2704和B*2705,在提呈肽表位的P1模式方面存在一些小差异,P1为D或E的肽亚库与HLA-B*2704的结合能力要强一些,而P1为K的肽亚库则与HLA-B*2705的结合能力强一些。本研究为HLA-B27与强直性脊柱炎关联机制的研究提供了线索,为开展HLA分子的抗原提呈模式分析打下了基础。     

热激蛋白gp96免疫学功能及在主动免疫治疗肿瘤和传染病中的应用

热激蛋白gp96可特异性结合来源于肿瘤和病毒的抗原肽,与抗原呈递细胞表面CD91等受体作用进入胞内,并在内质网中将结合的抗原通过抗原呈递链呈递给MHCI类分子,激活特异性T细胞。同时,与细胞表面Toll样受体(TLR)TLR2、TLR4等相互作用,激活天然免疫。近期研究发现调节性T细胞(Treg)对gp96免疫功能有显著抑制作用,随着对影响gp96免疫功能的免疫抑制机制的深入了解,以及利用汉逊酵母表达有免疫活性的全长gp96蛋白体系的建立,gp96将在治疗肿瘤及传染性疾病中发挥更大的作用。     

T细胞代谢及其调节研究进展

代谢涉及到机体内物质与能量的支配、流向及转化,而T细胞免疫则负责机体防御及稳态维持。宿主代谢状态与细胞代谢状态对特定器官与组织,以及对不同免疫细胞的分化发育及功能皆有非常重要的调节作用。代谢与免疫相互交叉,代谢失衡与免疫紊乱互为因果,其相关机制值得深入研究,也是当前免疫学研究的前沿与热点领域。深入理解T细胞代谢的调控机制、信号转导及其动态调控将为自身免疫、肿瘤以及重大传染性疾病等相关疾病的防治提供有效的分子靶点和潜在临床治疗新方法、新工具。     

HLA-B27与强直性脊柱炎免疫学机制的研究进展

强直性脊柱炎是与HLA-B27有明确相关性的自身免疫性疾病,其发病过程包括了微生物和宿主的相互作用、免疫细胞对MHC-I类分子的识别以及细胞因子网络的失平衡等方面.未折叠蛋白应答反应参与了强直性脊柱炎发病过程,并且下游IL-23/IL-17轴的激活可能在发病过程中起重要作用.未折叠蛋白反应和IL-23/IL-17轴是研究强直性脊柱炎发病机制和防治措施的新靶点.     

细胞融合引发的衰老及其分子机制研究

细胞融合引发的衰老普遍存在于发育正常的胚胎中,通常由特定的内源性逆转录病毒介导产生,其在生理和病理等方面起关键作用,例如:胚胎发育、免疫应答、肿瘤抑制及组织修复等。细胞融合引发的衰老异常不仅可导致胚胎疾病,还可引发正常组织癌变。目前,细胞融合引发衰老的潜在分子机制仍不清楚。现主要就国内外对于融合引发衰老的引发因素、表型特征、功能特征、相关分子机制及其潜在的应用价值等的研究进行综述。     

MICA 基因与肿瘤免疫关系的研究进展

MICA是主要组织相容性复合体I类分子链相关基因(MHC class I chain-related Gene,MIC)家族的功能性基因之一,具有较高的多态性。MICA蛋白在多数正常组织中并不表达,只在正常的胃肠道上皮和大多数上皮性肿瘤细胞表达。MICA可与C型凝集素样活化性受体NKG2D结合,从而影响多种免疫效应细胞的功能,在肿瘤免疫中发挥着重要作用。本文就MICA基因与肿瘤免疫关系的研究进展进行综述。     

The recognition of abnormal forms of HLA-B27 by CD4+ T cells

The MHC class I molecule, HLA-B27 can be expressed as a number of non-conventional forms, in addition to conventional HLA-B27 heterodimers presenting peptide. This has lead to new avenues of research to explain the association of this molecule with SpA. Surprisingly, HLA-B27 transgenic animal models implicated CD4+ T cells, which conventionally interact with MHC class II molecules, not MHC class I molecules, in the pathogenesis of SpA. One hypothesis to explain these finding is that non-conventional forms of HLA-B27, specifically HLA-B27 homodimers, might mimic MHC class II molecules and be recognised by CD4+ T cells. We investigated whether CD4+ T cells from AS patients can interact with HLA-B27, discovering that indeed CD4+ T cells can interact with various forms of HLA-B27. Here we discuss how such interactions between HLA-B27 and CD4+ T cells could occur in vivo and potential contributions of such interactions to the pathogenesis of SpA.     

Conserved MHC class I peptide binding motif between humans and rhesus macaques

Since the onset of the HIV pandemic, the use of nonhuman primate models of infection has increasingly become important. An excellent model to study HIV infection and immunological responses, in particular cell-mediated immune responses, is SIV infection of rhesus macaques. CTL epitopes have been mapped using SIV-infected rhesus macaques, but, to date, a peptide binding motif has been described for only one rhesus class I MHC molecule, Mamu-A*01. Herein, we have established peptide-live cell binding assays for four rhesus MHC class I molecules: Mamu-A*11, -B*03, -B*04, and -B*17. Using such assays, peptide binding motifs have been established for all four of these rhesus MHC class I molecules. With respect to the nature and spacing of crucial anchor positions, the motifs defined for Mamu-B*04 and -B*17 present unique features not previously observed for other primate species. The motifs identified for Mamu-A*11 and -B*03 are very similar to the peptide binding motifs previously described for human HLA-B*44 and -B*27, respectively. Accordingly, naturally processed peptides derived from HLA-B*44 and HLA-B*27 specifically bind Mamu-A*11 and Mamu-B*03, respectively, indicating that conserved MHC class I binding capabilities exist between rhesus macaques and humans. The definition of four rhesus MHC class I-specific motifs expands our ability to accurately detect and quantitate immune responses to MHC class I-restricted epitopes in rhesus macaques and to rationally design peptide epitope-based model vaccine constructs destined for use in nonhuman primates.     

The three-dimensional structure of HLA-B27 at 2.1 A resolution suggests a general mechanism for tight peptide binding to MHC.

Cell surface complexes of class I MHC molecules and bound peptide antigens serve as specific recognition elements controlling the cytotoxic immune response. The 2.1 A structure of the human class I MHC molecule HLA-B27 provides a detailed composite image of a co-crystallized collection of HLA-B27-bound peptides, indicating that they share a common main-chain structure and length. It also permits direct visualization of the conservation of arginine as an "anchor" side chain at the second peptide position, which is bound in a potentially HLA-B27-specific pocket and may therefore have a role in the association of HLA-B27 with several diseases. Tight peptide binding to class I MHC molecules appears to result from the extensive contacts found at the ends of the cleft between peptide main-chain atoms and conserved MHC side chains, which also involve the peptide in stabilizing the three-dimensional fold of HLA-B27. The concentration of binding interactions at the peptide termini permits extensive sequence (and probably some length) variability in the center of the peptide, where it is exposed for T cell recognition.     

A high incidence of Shigella-induced arthritis in a primate species: major histocompatibility complex class I molecules associated with resistance and susceptiblity, and their relationship to HLA-B27

 The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene, HLA-B27, is a strong risk factor for susceptibility to a group of disorders termed spondyloarthropathies. Rodents that express HLA-B27 develop spondyloarthropathies, implicating HLA-B27 in the etiology of these disorders. To determine whether an HLA-B27-like molecule was associated with spondyloarthropathies in nonhuman primates, we analyzed the MHC class I cDNAs expressed in a cohort of rhesus macaques that developed reactive arthritis after an outbreak of shigellosis. We identified several cDNAs with only limited sequence similarity to HLA-B27. Interestingly, one of these MHC molecules had a B pocket identical to that of HLA-B39. Pool sequencing of radiolabeled peptides bound by this molecule demonstrated that, like HLA-B27 and HLA-B39, it could bind peptides with arginine at the second position. However, extensive analysis of the MHC class I molecules in this cohort revealed no statistically significant association between any particular MHC class I allele and susceptibility to reactive arthritis. Furthermore, none of the rhesus MHC class I molecules bore a strong resemblance to HLA-B27, indicating that reactive arthritis can develop in this animal model in the absence of an HLA-B27-like molecule. Surprisingly, there was a statistically significant association between the rhesus macaque MHC A locus allele, Mamu-A*12, and the absence of reactive arthritis following Shigella infection. Received: 26 July 1999 / Revised: 28 December 1999     

Computational characterization of residue couplings and micropolymorphism-induced changes in the dynamics of two differentially disease-associated human MHC class-I alleles

Human major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) – or human leukocyte antigen (HLA) – proteins present intracellularly processed peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the adaptive immune response to pathogens. A high level of polymorphism in human MHC I proteins defines the peptide-binding specificity of thousands of different MHC alleles. However, polymorphism as well as the peptide ligand can also affect the global dynamics of the complex. In this study, we conducted classical molecular dynamics simulations of two HLA alleles, the ankylosing spondylitis (AS) associated/tapasin-dependent HLA-B*27:05 and nondisease-associated/tapasin-independent HLA-B*27:09, both in peptide-free forms as well as complex with four different peptides ligands. Our results indicate that in peptide-free form, the single amino acid substitution distinguishing the two alleles (D116H), leads to a weaker dynamic coupling of residues in the tapasin-dependent HLA-B*27:05. In peptide-bound form, several residues of the binding-groove, mostly in A and B pockets, show hinge-like behavior in the global motion of the MHC. Moreover, allele-dependent changes are shown in residue interactions, affecting the B-pocket as well as the beta-2-microglobulin (β2m)-facing residues of the HLA chain.     

Gorillas with spondyloarthropathies express an MHC class I molecule with only limited sequence similarity to HLA-B27 that binds peptides with arginine at P2

The human MHC class I gene, HLA-B27, is a strong risk factor for susceptibility to a group of disorders termed spondyloarthropathies (SpAs). HLA-B27-transgenic rodents develop SpAs, implicating HLA-B27 in the etiology of these disorders. Several nonhuman primates, including gorillas, develop signs of SpAs indistinguishable from clinical signs of humans with SpAs. To determine whether SpAs in gorillas have a similar HLA-B27-related etiology, we analyzed the MHC class I molecules expressed in four affected gorillas. Gogo-B01, isolated from three of the animals, has only limited similarity to HLA-B27 at the end of the alpha1 domain. It differs by several residues in the B pocket, including differences at positions 45 and 67. However, the molecular model of Gogo-B*0101 is consistent with a requirement for positively charged residues at the second amino acid of peptides bound by the MHC class I molecule. Indeed, the peptide binding motif and sequence of individual ligands eluted from Gogo-B*0101 demonstrate that, like HLA-B27, this gorilla MHC class I molecule binds peptides with arginine at the second amino acid position of peptides bound by the MHC class I molecule. Furthermore, live cell binding assays show that Gogo-B*0101 can bind HLA-B27 ligands. Therefore, although most gorillas that develop SpAs express an MHC class I molecule with striking differences to HLA-B27, this molecule binds peptides similar to those bound by HLA-B27.     

Lack of tyrosine 320 impairs spontaneous endocytosis and enhances release of HLA-B27 molecules

Several lines of evidence suggest that endocytosis of MHC class I molecules requires conserved motifs within the cytoplasmic domain. In this study, we show, in the C58 rat thymoma cell line transfected with HLA-B27 molecules, that replacement of the highly conserved tyrosine (Tyr320) in the cytoplasmic domain of HLA-B27 does not hamper cell surface expression of beta2-microglobulin H chain heterodimers or formation of misfolded molecules. However, Tyr320 replacement markedly impairs spontaneous endocytosis of HLA-B27. Although wild-type molecules are mostly internalized via endosomal compartments, Tyr320-mutated molecules remain at the plasma membrane in which partial colocalization with endogenous transferrin receptors can be observed, also impairing their endocytosis. Finally, we show that Tyr320 substitution enhances release of cleaved forms of HLA-B27 from the cell surface. These studies show for the first time that Tyr320 is most likely part of a cytoplasmic sorting motif involved in spontaneous endocytosis and shedding of MHC class I molecules.     

HLA-B27 misfolding in transgenic rats is associated with activation of the unfolded protein response

The mechanism by which the MHC class I allele, HLA-B27, contributes to spondyloarthritis pathogenesis is unknown. In contrast to other alleles that have been examined, HLA-B27 has a tendency to form high m.w. disulfide-linked H chain complexes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), bind the ER chaperone BiP/Grp78, and undergo ER-associated degradation. These aberrant characteristics have provided biochemical evidence that HLA-B27 is prone to misfold. Recently, similar biochemical characteristics of HLA-B27 were reported in cells from HLA-B27/human beta2-microglobulin transgenic (HLA-B27 transgenic) rats, an animal model of spondyloarthritis, and correlated with disease susceptibility. In this study, we demonstrate that the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in macrophages derived from the bone marrow of HLA-B27 transgenic rats with inflammatory disease. Microarray analysis of these cells also reveals an IFN response signature. In contrast, macrophages derived from premorbid rats do not exhibit a strong UPR or evidence of IFN exposure. Activation of macrophages from premorbid HLA-B27 transgenic rats with IFN-gamma increases HLA-B27 expression and leads to UPR induction, while no UPR is seen in cells from nondisease-prone HLA-B7 transgenic or wild-type (nontransgenic) animals. This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, that HLA-B27 misfolding is associated with ER stress that results in activation of the UPR. These observations link HLA-B27 expression with biological effects that are independent of immunological recognition, but nevertheless may play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases associated with this MHC class I allele.     

Induction of HLA-B27 heavy chain homodimer formation after activation in dendritic cells

Introduction

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a severe, chronic inflammatory arthritis, with a strong association to the human major histocompatibilty complex (MHC) class I allele human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B27. Disulfide-linked HLA-B27 heavy-chain homodimers have been implicated as novel structures involved in the aetiology of AS. We have studied the formation of HLA-B27 heavy-chain homodimers in human dendritic cells, which are key antigen-presenting cells and regulators of mammalian immune responses.

Method

Both an in vitro dendritic-like cell line and monocyte-derived dendritic cells from peripheral blood were studied. The KG-1 dendritic-like cell line was transfected with HLA-B27 cDNA constructs, and the cellular distribution, intracellular assembly and ability of HLA-B27 to form heavy-chain homodimers was compared with human monocyte-derived dendritic cells after stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results

Immature KG-1 cells expressing HLA-B27 display an intracellular source of MHC class I heavy-chain homodimers partially overlapping with the Golgi bodies, but not the endoplasmic reticulum, which is lost at cell maturation with phorbyl-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. Significantly, the formation of HLA-B27 homodimers in transfected KG-1 cells is induced by maturation, with a transient induction also seen in LPS-stimulated human monocyte-derived dendritic cells expressing HLA-B27. The weak association of wildtype HLA-B*2705 with the transporter associated with antigen processing could also be enhanced by mutation of residues at position 114 and 116 in the peptide-binding groove to those present in the HLA-B*2706 allele.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that HLA-B27 heavy-chain homodimer formation can be induced by dendritic cell activation, implying that these novel structures may not be displayed to the immune system at all times. Our data suggests that the behaviour of HLA-B27 on dendritic cells may be important in the study of inflammatory arthritis.     

HLA-B27: natural function and pathogenic role in spondyloarthritis

The human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27 is strongly associated with development of a group of inflammatory arthritides collectively known as the spondyloarthritides. We have set out to define the natural immunological function of HLA-B27, and then to apply this knowledge to understand its pathogenic role. Human leukocyte antigen class 1 molecules bind antigenic peptides for cell surface presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. HLA-B27 binds and presents peptides from influenza, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and other viruses. This leads to vigorous and specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, which play an important role in the body's immune response to these viruses. HLA-B27 thus carries out its natural function highly effectively. Although many theories have been proposed to explain the role of HLA-B27 in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathy, we favour those postulating that the pathogenic role of HLA-B27 stems from its natural function. For example, the 'arthritogenic' peptide hypothesis suggests that disease results from the ability of HLA-B27 to bind a unique peptide or a set of antigenic peptides. Additionally, a number of lines of evidence from our laboratory and other laboratories have suggested that HLA-B27 has unusual cell biology. We have recently demonstrated that HLA-B27 is capable of forming disulfide-bonded homodimers. These homodimers are expressed on the cell surface and are ligands for a number of natural killer and related immunoreceptors, expressed on a variety of cell types including natural killer cells, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, and members of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We are currently investigating the possibility that such interactions could be involved in disease pathogenesis.