Exploration of Autoantigens by Proteomic Analysis from Patients of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disease is a condition triggered by targeting of self-molecules due to the deterioration of immunological tolerance. It is initiated by the cross-reactivity between host and pathogenic proteins, which can be attributed to molecular mimicry. A wide range of autoimmune diseases cause notable mortality and morbidity worldwide. We have identified new autoantigens, present in autoimmune diseases like rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and autoimmune uveitis (AU). In both the diseases, initially the autoantigens were recognized by cross-reactivity with patient serum in Western blotting. Unique peptides identified in mitral valve tissues of RHD patients were further characterized through LC-MS. Additionally, the proteomic data was also confirmed by real time PCR. Similarly, 2D-electrophoresis of vitreous fluid revealed the auto-reactive peptides in AU patients compared to infectious uveitis and finally characterized by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Further in-vivo studies are in the process to validate our identified autoantigens in order to develop therapeutic strategy.