Fibronectin binding protein and rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis autoimmune disease, is thought to be caused by an interaction between constitutional and environmental [possibly microbial] factors. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is considered one of causative agent of Rheumatoid arthritis. The Fibronectin - binding protein [FnBp] antigens [30/31] kDa antigen] of M. tuberculosis is one of the major secretory molecules and is probably routinely recognized by the host immune system in the early stage of tuberculosis in infection serum immune complexes, prepared from Rheumatoid arthritis [RA], Tuberculosis [TB] patients and normals, were analyzed for the presence of FnBp by ELISA using CF8 [anti - FnBp monoclonal antibody] and by western blotting using Fibronectin - HRP. Significant differences were noted between normal and patient sera by using the monoclonal antibody XF8 [p < 0.001]. We have detected a 37 kDa Fibronectin - binding protein in RA patients' serum immune complexes, which are reported to play an important role in bacterial diseases. We have shown that the 30/31kDa FnBp is a characteristic feature of tuberculosis. This was a quite interesting finding that suggests there are different forms of Fibronectin - binding protein antigens probably involved in pathogenesis of RA