open access

Vol 47, No 3 (2009)
Original paper
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2010-02-19
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Post-translational modifications, subcellular relocation and release in apoptotic microparticles: apoptosis turns nuclear proteins into autoantigens.

JĂźrgen Dieker, Sylviane Muller
DOI: 10.2478/v10042-009-0068-1
·
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2009;47(3):343-348.

open access

Vol 47, No 3 (2009)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2010-02-19

Abstract

Autoantibodies against particular nuclear components, such as chromatin and snRNPs, are a characteristic feature of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. The last decade, evidence has suggested that apoptotic cells are the main source of autoantigens in this disease. Therefore, it has been proposed that protein modifications occurring during apoptosis lead to the formation of neo-epitopes, which can break the tolerance when apoptotic cells are not properly cleared. Indeed, many lupus autoantigens are prone to apoptosis-associated post-translational modifications and/or cleavage by caspases. In addition, lupus autoantigens are relocated from the nucleus to apoptotic blebs on the cell surface of early apoptotic cells. Therefore, to understand why certain nuclear proteins become autoantigens during apoptosis, it is important to know the apoptotic processing of these proteins. This review summarizes the current knowledge of apoptotic processing of lupus autoantigens and the possible effects on their encounter with the immune system in normal and autoimmune situations.

Abstract

Autoantibodies against particular nuclear components, such as chromatin and snRNPs, are a characteristic feature of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. The last decade, evidence has suggested that apoptotic cells are the main source of autoantigens in this disease. Therefore, it has been proposed that protein modifications occurring during apoptosis lead to the formation of neo-epitopes, which can break the tolerance when apoptotic cells are not properly cleared. Indeed, many lupus autoantigens are prone to apoptosis-associated post-translational modifications and/or cleavage by caspases. In addition, lupus autoantigens are relocated from the nucleus to apoptotic blebs on the cell surface of early apoptotic cells. Therefore, to understand why certain nuclear proteins become autoantigens during apoptosis, it is important to know the apoptotic processing of these proteins. This review summarizes the current knowledge of apoptotic processing of lupus autoantigens and the possible effects on their encounter with the immune system in normal and autoimmune situations.
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About this article
Title

Post-translational modifications, subcellular relocation and release in apoptotic microparticles: apoptosis turns nuclear proteins into autoantigens.

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 47, No 3 (2009)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

343-348

Published online

2010-02-19

Page views

2167

Article views/downloads

1871

DOI

10.2478/v10042-009-0068-1

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2009;47(3):343-348.

Authors

JĂźrgen Dieker
Sylviane Muller

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