Anti-Sm Autoantibodies of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cross React with Dietary Plant Proteins

Abstract

Cross reactivity of patient lupus autoantibodies to the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles of many different types of animals is well documented. The aim of our research was to determine if any level of cross reactivity existed between proteins of common dietary plants and anti-Sm autoantibodies of lupus patient's sera, as has been found for scleroderma patient sera (Agris et al., Exptl. Cell Res. 189, 276-279, 1990). Protein extracts from soy bean, corn, spinach, and carrot were analyzed. At least one protein (molecular weight approximately 28,000 daltons) common to all the above protein extracts was recognized by most of the anti-Sm sera tested. Affinity purified antibody eluted from the 28 kilodalton plant protein specifically recognized the Sm proteins of a HeLa cell protein extract. Recognition of the 28 kilodalton dietary plant protein was found to be unique to anti-Sm lupus sera.

Aquaporin 4 molecular mimicry and implications for neuromyelitis optica

“…It is possible that exposure to epitopes that resemble AQP4, from exogenous sources such as plants, plant viruses and bacteria, may play a role in the etiology of NMO. Although to our knowledge this is the first report of NMO serum cross-reacting with plant derived antigens, an association between plant antigens and human autoimmune diseases has been previously suggested for lupus and scleroderma (Agris, et al, 1990; Bullard-Dillard, et al, 1992). Future directions would include rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the ability and role of these proteins to generate cross-reactive antibodies to AQP4 and consequently contribute to the development, immunity and/or progression of NMO.…”

“…Molecular mimicry is a mechanism by which exogenous agents, including plant, bacterial and viral proteins, may trigger immune responses against self or non-self antigens (Agris, et al, 1990; Bahmanyar, et al, 1987; Bullard-Dillard, et al, 1992; Friedland, et al, 2008; Kakalacheva and Lunemann, 2011; Srinivasappa, et al, 1986). This is not surprising given the fact that protein families with similar structural and functional attributes exist across animal and plant kingdoms.…”

Detection of antibodies against human and plant aquaporins in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…It is possible that exposure to epitopes that resemble human AQP4 from exogenous sources such as plants may play a role in the etiology of RRMS and possibly other autoimmune disorders. Although an association between plant antigens and autoimmune diseases has been previously suggested for celiac disease, lupus, scleroderma, type I diabetes, and MS [40][41][42][43][44], there is need for further evaluation of the role of plant proteins in the generation of cross-reactive antibodies against human AQP4, S100B, MOG, and MBP and the consequent development of RRMS and other neuroimmune disorders. This may help in the development of dietary guidelines for dietary modifications for patients with neuroimmune disorders.…”