Recognition of thyroglobulin autoantigenic epitopes by murine T and B cells.
We have used a large panel of thyroglobulins (Tg) prepared from a wide range of mammalian species to study the Tg autoantigenic epitopes recognized by populations of monoclonal and polyclonal murine T and B cells. This approach showed the existence of at least six different epitopes; three recognized by T cells (in association with I-Ak on antigen-presenting cells) and three by B cells (monoclonal antibodies). The majority of serum and monoclonal autoantibodies were found to be highly specific for mouse Tg, with some cross-reactive binding to rat Tg. In contrast, T-cell lines/clones and hybridomas recognized cross-reactive epitopes on Tg that were highly conserved throughout most of the mammalian orders. Moreover, two hybrid clones, which showed similar patterns of cross-reactivity, differed in their responsiveness to tryptic digests of human Tg. Thus, autoreactive T and B cells recognize distinct areas of the Tg molecule.
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000032:analysis*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002455:Cell Division; D003429:Cross Reactions; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008322:Mammals; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D013045:Species Specificity; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013954:Thyroglobulin / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens; D000939:Epitopes; D013954:Thyroglobulin