GnRH receptor-activating autoantibodies in polycystic ovary syndrome: identification of functional epitopes and development of epitope mimetic inhibitors.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We have recently demonstrated that gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor-activating autoantibodies (GnRHR-AAb) are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to map the antigenic epitopes of GnRHR-AAb from PCOS patients, and develop retro-inverso peptide inhibitors that specifically target GnRHR-AAb.

Methods

Serum samples from ten GnRHR-AAb-positive PCOS patients and ten GnRHR-AAb-negative healthy controls were tested. Epitope mapping for GnRHR-AAb was performed using a set of 11 overlapping octapeptides spanning the second extracellular loop of GnRHR. Antibody-blocking effect of the designed retro-inverso peptide inhibitors was evaluated in a cell-based bioassay.

Results

Two peptide sequences, FSQCVTHC and HCSFSQWW, were fo

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8891032 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature