Carbamylation-dependent activation of T cells: a novel mechanism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis.

ABSTRACT: The posttranslational modification of proteins has the potential to generate neoepitopes that may subsequently trigger immune responses. The carbamylation of lysine residues to form homocitrulline may be a key mechanism triggering inflammatory responses. We evaluated the role of carbamylation in triggering immune responses and report a new role for this process in the induction of arthritis. Immunization of mice with homocitrulline-containing peptides induced chemotaxis, T cell activation, and Ab production. The mice also developed erosive arthritis following intra-articular injection of peptides derived from homocitrulline and citrulline. Adoptive transfer of T and B cells from homocitrulline-immunized mice into normal recipients induced arthritis, whereas systemic injection of homocitrul

SUBMITTER: Mydel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2925534 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature