Identification of TPIT and other novel autoantigens in lymphocytic hypophysitis: immunoscreening of a pituitary cDNA library and development of immunoprecipitation assays.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease of the pituitary gland. A specific and sensitive serological test currently does not exist to aid in the diagnosis.

Objective

To identify target autoantigens in lymphocytic hypophysitis and develop a diagnostic assay for these proteins.

Design/methods

A pituitary cDNA expression library was immunoscreened using sera from four patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Relevant cDNA clones from screening, along with previously identified autoantigens pituitary gland-specific factor 1a and 2 (PGSF1a and PGSF2) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were tested in an in vitro transcription and translation immunoprecipitation assay. The corticotroph-specific transcription factor, TPIT, was investigated se

SUBMITTER: Smith CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3290121 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature