Antibodies and B cells recognising citrullinated proteins display a broad cross-reactivity towards other post-translational modifications.

OBJECTIVE: Autoantibodies against antigens carrying distinct post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as citrulline, homocitrulline or acetyllysine, are hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The relation between these anti-modified protein antibody (AMPA)-classes is poorly understood as is the ability of different PTM-antigens to activate B-cell receptors (BCRs) directed against citrullinated proteins (CP). Insights into the nature of PTMs able to activate such B cells are pivotal to understand the 'evolution' of the autoimmune response conceivable underlying the disease. Here, we investigated the cross-reactivity of monoclonal AMPA and the ability of different types of PTM-antigens to activate CP-reactive BCRs. METHODS: BCR sequences from B cells isolated using citrullinated or acetylated antigens were used to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAb) followed by a detailed analysis of their cross-reactivity towards PTM-antigens. Ramos B-cell transfectants expressing CP-reactive IgG BCRs were generated and their activation on stimulation with PTM-antigens investigated. RESULTS: Most mAbs were highly cross-reactive towards multiple PTMs, while no reactivity was observed to the unmodified controls. B cells carrying CP-reactive BCRs showed activation on stimulation with various types of PTM-antigens. CONCLUSIONS: Our study illustrates that AMPA exhibit a high cross-reactivity towards at least two PTMs indicating that their recognition pattern is not confined to one type of modification. Furthermore, our data show that CP-reactive B cells are not only activated by citrullinated, but also by carbamylated and/or acetylated antigens. These data are vital for the understanding of the breach of B-cell tolerance against PTM-antigens and the possible contribution of these antigens to RA-pathogenesis.

Persistent GnRH receptor activation in pituitary αT3-1 cells analyzed with a label-free technology.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor is a drug target for certain hormone-dependent diseases such as prostate cancer. In this study, we examined the activation profiles of the endogenous ligand, GnRH and a well-known marketed analog, buserelin using a label-free assay in pituitary αT3-1 cells with endogenous GnRH receptor expression. This whole cell impedance-based technology allows for the real-time measurement of morphological cellular changes. Both agonists dose-dependently decreased the impedance as a result of GnRH receptor activation with potencies of 9.3 ± 0.1 (pEC50 value, buserelin) and 7.8 ± 0.06 (pEC50 value, GnRH). Subsequently, GnRH receptor activation was completely abolished with a selective Gαq inhibitor, thereby confirming the Gαq-coupling of the GnRH receptor in pituitary αT3-1 cells. Additionally, we observed continued responses after agonist stimulation of αT3-1 cells indicating long-lasting cellular effects. Wash-out experiments demonstrated that the long-lasting effects induced by GnRH were most likely caused by rebinding since over 70% of the original response was abolished after wash-out. In contrast, a long receptor residence time was responsible for the prolonged effects caused by buserelin, with over 70% of the original response remaining after wash-out. In summary, we validated that impedance-based label-free technology is suited for studying receptor-mediated activation in cell lines endogenously expressing the target of interest. Moreover, this real-time monitoring allows the examination of binding kinetics and its influence on receptor activation at a cellular level.