Identification of beta-tubulin isoform V as an autoantigen in allergic rhinitis by a proteomic approach

Microbiol Immunol. 2004;48(5):427-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2004.tb03532.x.

Abstract

Autoantibodies to IgE and beta2-adrenergic receptor have been reported in patients with allergic rhinitis. To investigate whether autoimmunity in allergic rhinitis is directed to such limited molecules or directed to a wide range of self proteins, we here attempted to survey autoantigens/autoantibodies comprehensively, using proteomics. Specifically, we separated proteins extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and then detected autoantigens by subsequent western blotting with sera from patients with allergic rhinitis. As a result, we detected multiple autoantigens, some of which were further identified by mass fingerprinting. Next, we confirmed antigenicity of one of the identified autoantigens, beta-tubulin isoform V (beta-tubV), using a recombinant protein and then measured prevalence of the anti-beta-tubV autoantibodies. As a result, 52% of the tested patients with allergic rhinitis were found to possess anti-beta-tubV autoantibodies. Our study indicates that autoimmunity is a common phenomena and beta-tubV is one of the major autoantigens in allergic rhinitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • Autoantigens / isolation & purification
  • Child
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / chemistry
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Isoforms / immunology
  • Protein Isoforms / isolation & purification
  • Proteins / immunology
  • Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Proteomics*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / immunology*
  • Tubulin / immunology*
  • Tubulin / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2
  • Tubulin
  • Immunoglobulin E