An autoimmune response to odorant binding protein 1a is associated with dry eye in the Aire-deficient mouse

JJ DeVoss, NP LeClair, Y Hou, NK Grewal… - The Journal of …, 2010 - journals.aai.org
JJ DeVoss, NP LeClair, Y Hou, NK Grewal, KP Johannes, W Lu, T Yang, C Meagher, L Fong
The Journal of Immunology, 2010journals.aai.org
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a human autoimmune disease characterized by immune-
mediated destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. In this study, we show that the Aire-
deficient mouse represents a new tool to investigate autoimmune dacryoadenitis and
keratoconjunctivitis sicca, features of SS. Previous work in the Aire-deficient mouse
suggested a role for α-fodrin, a ubiquitous Ag, in the disease process. Using an unbiased
biochemical approach, however, we have identified a novel lacrimal gland autoantigen …
Abstract
Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a human autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. In this study, we show that the Aire-deficient mouse represents a new tool to investigate autoimmune dacryoadenitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, features of SS. Previous work in the Aire-deficient mouse suggested a role for α-fodrin, a ubiquitous Ag, in the disease process. Using an unbiased biochemical approach, however, we have identified a novel lacrimal gland autoantigen, odorant binding protein 1a, targeted by the autoimmune response. This novel autoantigen is expressed in the thymus in an Aire-dependent manner. The results from our study suggest that defects in central tolerance may contribute to SS and provide a new and clinically relevant model to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms in lacrimal gland autoimmunity and associated ocular surface sequelae.
journals.aai.org