Host-microflora interaction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): circulating antibodies to the indigenous bacteria of the intestinal tract

Abstract

SUMMARYExperimental data suggest a role for the microflora in the disease expression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In active SLE anti-ds-DNA antibodies are supposed to be pathogenic by forming immune complexes with DNA. Bacteria might induce the production of anti-ds-DNA antibodies. To explore the relation between the host and his microflora in SLE in comparison with healthy controls we studied the prevalence of systemic antibodies to faecal bacteria that were discriminated by their morphology by indirect immunofluorescence.IgM titres against their own faecal microflora were found to be lower both in active and inactive SLE when compared to healthy individuals. IgG-class antibacterial antibodies were increased in inactive SLE but decreased in active SLE compared to inactive SLE and healthy controls, although plasma levels of total IgG were almost doubled in active SLE. The lower IgG antibacterial antibody titres in active SLE might possibly result from sequestration of these IgG antibodies in immune complexes, indicating a possible role for antibacterial antibodies in exacerbations of SLE.

Interaction of Intestinal Microorganisms with the Human Host in the Framework of Autoimmune Diseases

“…In general, total IgG-class antibody titers in plasma were shown to be doubled in a SLE cohort regarding the controls ( 12 ). As it has been shown that specific IgGs raised against the gut microbiota displayed lower titers during active SLE episodes compared to inactive periods, it is conceivable to hypothesize that these specific antibodies are sequestered in immune complexes, contributing to the pathology of the disease, and opening the door to the involvement of certain bacteria at least in SLE relapses ( 12 ).…”

“… Evidences of the role of the commensal microbiota in SLE pathogenesis . (A) Antibody titers were increased in SLE patients, being those recognizing the gut microbiota decreased during the disease episodes, probably after binding to certain bacterial members ( 12 ). (B) Cell wall deficient forms (CWD) of commensal bacteria were isolated from skin lesions in LE patients ( 20 ), and Helicobacter pylori was isolated in the 67% of kidney biopsies from a LN cohort ( 25 ).…”

Microbial dysbiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a scientometric study

“…Currently, various mouse models have been applied to understand gut microbiota dysbiosis in SLE. Apperloo-Renkema et al (1995) were the first to find that the antimicrobial colonization quality of the gut microbiota reduced in active SLE patients, which may lead to increased translocation of foreign bacteria, then facilitate the production of anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) autoantibodies. Compared to healthy individuals, non-active SLE patients have a lower abundance of the phylum Firmicutes , as well as a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio ( Hevia et al, 2014a ).…”

The disturbance of large intestinal microbiota in patients with HIV/AIDS

“…Індигенна мікрофлора кишечнику має важливе значення в механізмах формування неспецифічних реакцій організму та імунітету. Вона забезпечує універсальні імуномодулювальні ефекти, що включають імуностимуляцію і імуносупресію, а також ад'ювантні, мітогенні та імуногенні дії [8,12]. З другого боку, зміна складу кишкової мікрофлори порушує захисні механізми організму, а останні сприяють порушенням мікроекології кишечнику [4,14].…”