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.
University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany. johannes.ihle@web.de
J
J
Ihle
B
B
Fleckenstein
C
C
Terreaux
H
H
Beck
E D
ED
Albert
G E
GE
Dannecker
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