The human exosome: an autoantigenic complex of exoribonucleases in myositis and scleroderma

The anti-PM/Scl autoantibodies are known to characterize a subset of autoimmune patients with myositis, scleroderma (Scl), and the PM/Scl overlap syndrome. The major autoantigens that are recognized by anti-PM/Scl autoantibodies are designated PM/Scl-100 and PM/Scl-75. These autoantigens have been reported to associate into a large complex consisting of 11 to 16 proteins and to play a role in ribosome synthesis. Recently, it was discovered that the PM/Scl complex is the human counterpart of the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) exosome, which is an RNA-processing complex consisting of 11 3' → 5' exoribonucleases. To date, 10 human exosome components have been identified, although only some of these were studied in more detail. In this review, we discuss some recent advances in the characterization of the PM/Scl complex.     

Mapping of citrullinated fibrinogen B-cell epitopes in rheumatoid arthritis by imaging surface plasmon resonance

Introduction  

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently involves the loss of tolerance to citrullinated antigens, which may play a role in pathogenicity. Citrullinated fibrinogen is commonly found in inflamed synovial tissue and is a frequent target of autoantibodies in RA patients. To obtain insight into the B-cell response to citrullinated fibrinogen in RA, its autoepitopes were systematically mapped using a new methodology.