Abstract
Protein databases were searched for microbial sequences that bear amino acid similarities with identified T- or B-cell epitopes within the human alpha-subunit of acetylcholine receptor (AChR). One peptide, derived from Haemophilus influenzae, exhibits 50% homology to an identified T-cell epitope of AChR alpha-subunit. This peptide was shown to have a protective effect in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Pretreatment of rats with the mimicry peptide attenuated the induction and progression of EAMG. These effects were accompanied by a reduced T-cell response to AChR, diminished IL-2, IL-12, IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels, as well as decreased humoral response to self-AChR.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte / chemistry
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Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte / immunology
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / chemistry
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology
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Female
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Humans
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Immune Tolerance / drug effects
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Immune Tolerance / immunology
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Molecular Mimicry / immunology*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental / drug therapy*
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Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology*
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Peptide Fragments / chemistry
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Peptide Fragments / immunology
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Peptide Fragments / pharmacology
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Rats
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Rats, Inbred Lew
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Receptors, Nicotinic / chemistry
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Receptors, Nicotinic / immunology*
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Th1 Cells / immunology
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Th2 Cells / immunology
Substances
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Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
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Peptide Fragments
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Receptors, Nicotinic