Cross-reacting bacterial determinants in ankylosing spondylitis.
The importance of the association between the human histocompatibility antigen human leukocyte antigen-B27 and ankylosing spondylitis is undisputed, but its biologic significance remains unresolved. We have demonstrated specific cross reactivity between a range of enteric bacteria and a specific determinant found only on the surfaces of cells from human leukocyte antigen-B27-positive persons with ankylosing spondylitis. We have proposed that the genetic element coding for this cross-reactive determinant is mobile and that its acquisition by B27-positive cells in vivo represents an important step in the eventual development of ankylosing spondylitis.
Sullivan
J S
JS
New South Wales Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Sydney, Australia.
Prendergast
J K
JK
Geczy
A F
AF
Edmonds
J P
JP
McGuigan
L E
LE
Edwards
C M
CM
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000276:immunology*
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000939:Epitopes; D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen; C051103:Klebsiella modifying factor