Differential peptide binding motif for three juvenile arthritis associated HLA-DQ molecules.
OBJECTIVE
In the oligoarticular subgroup of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a strong association has been found with the expression of human leukocyte antigen class II molecules HLA-DQA1 *0401-DQB1*0402 and DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301, whereas DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 is neutral and DQA1 *0201-DQB1*0201 protective. A presentation of different peptides by these DQ alleles would support their role in the disease process.


METHODS
Using a synthetic nonapeptide library, a peptide binding motif was determined for the associated DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 molecule and compared to the neutral and the protective DQ molecules.


RESULTS
A differential motif for the three molecules could be deduced, suggesting that peptides preferentially binding to the associated vs. the neutral/protective DQ-molecules are mutually exclusive.


CONCLUSIONS
These results imply a role for differential peptide presentation in the pathogenesis of oligoarthritic JIA. The search for peptides initiating the disease process might be facilitated which could then lead to therapeutical interventions.
Ihle
J
J
University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany. johannes.ihle@web.de
Fleckenstein
B
B
Terreaux
C
C
Beck
H
H
Albert
E D
ED
Dannecker
G E
GE
D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D019151:Peptide Library; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D019151:Peptide Library; D010455:Peptides