title: The HLA-B*5101 molecule-binding capacity to antigens used in animal models of Behçet's disease: a bioinformatics study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) molecule B*5101 is a functioning receptor of the immune system and is generally accepted as a genetic marker for Behçet disease (BD), a multi-organ, chronic inflammatory disorder. The role of the HLA-B*5101 in the pathogenesis of BD is elusive. The assumption that HLA-B*5101 has an active role in BD is suggestive, but no antigen has yet been identified.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the potential binding capacity of various antigens to the HLA-B*5101 molecule.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using bioinformatics programs, we studied the binding capacity of HLA-B*5101 and its corresponding rat molecule RT.A1 to the following antigens: heatshock protein-60 (HSP60), major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA), retinal S-antigen (S-Ag), HLA-B27 molecule and its peptide (PD) and tropomyosin (TPM), all of which serve as antigens in animal models corresponding to BD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In each protein including the B*5101 molecule itself, the computerized programs revealed several short sequences with potential high binding capacity to HLA-B*5101 with the exception of B-27PD. The rat MHC RT1. Al. had no binding capacity to S-Ag.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evaluated proteins have the potential to bind to and to serve as potential antigens to the HLA-B*5101 and the rat MHC RT1.Al. molecules. The pathogenicity of these suggested short peptides should be evaluated in animal models of BD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine C, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tikva, Israel. ehudb@clalit.org.il
authors.forename: Ehud
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baharav
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weinberger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001528:Behcet Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D019295:Computational Biology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000737:chemistry*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats; D020539:Sequence Analysis, Protein; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C099187:MHC class I-related chain A