title: Characterization of a factor(s) present in Klebsiella culture filtrates that specifically modifies an HLA-B27-associated cell-surface component.
abstract: It has been shown that HLA-B27 lymphocytes from healthy individuals (B27+ ankylosing spondylitis [AS]-), which are not lysed by an antiserum against Klebsiella K43, can be rendered susceptible to lysis after incubation in the culture filtrate of Klebsiella K43. This finding is compatible with a specific modification by a Klebsiella K43-derived soluble factor of a B27-associated lymphoid cell component. Preliminary characterization of the factor has indicated that it is nondialyzable, but it is heat labile at 56 degrees C for 30 min and has a 35,000-50,000 mol wt. The modifying factor activity of the filtrate is destroyed by neuraminidase but not by trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. Furthermore, the ability of the factor to convert B27+AS- lymphocytes can be specifically absorbed by B27+AS- lymphocytes, but not by B27+AS+, B27-AS+, or by B27-AS- lymphocytes, which suggests that B27+AS- cells carry a hypothetical receptor which can specifically bind a Klebsiella K43 antigenic determinant. These results imply that the modification by environmental agents of specific major histocompatibility complex-associated gene products may be an important element in the pathogenesis of the HLA-B27-linked seronegative arthropathies.
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D000939:Epitopes; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007709:Klebsiella / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D000939:Epitopes; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006680:HLA Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II