Volume 233, Issue 1 pp. 126-145

The U1-snRNP complex: structural properties relating to autoimmune pathogenesis in rheumatic diseases

Nicole H. Kattah

Nicole H. Kattah

Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

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Michael G. Kattah

Michael G. Kattah

Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

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Paul J. Utz

Paul J. Utz

Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

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First published: 23 December 2009
Citations: 61
Nicole H. Kattah
Division of Immunology and Rheumatology
Department of Medicine
Stanford University
269 Campus Drive
CCSR 2250
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Tel.: +1 650 723 7038
Fax: +1 650 723 7509
e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Summary: The U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) is a target of autoreactive B cells and T cells in several rheumatic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). We propose that inherent structural properties of this autoantigen complex, including common RNA-binding motifs, B and T-cell epitopes, and a unique stimulatory RNA molecule, underlie its susceptibility as a target of the autoimmune response. Immune mechanisms that may contribute to overall U1-snRNP immunogenicity include epitope spreading through B and T-cell interactions, apoptosis-induced modifications, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation through stimulation by U1-snRNA. We conclude that understanding the interactions between U1-snRNP and the immune system will provide insights into why certain patients develop anti-U1-snRNP autoimmunity, and more importantly how to effectively target therapies against this autoimmune response.

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