The Role of Enterobacteriaceae As Possible Immunological Triggers in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Other Inflammatory Disorders

[摘要] Previous research has found the association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the human leukocyte antigen B27 to be the strongest known association of a human leukocyte antigen and disease. Genes in linkage disequilibrium, molecular mimicry and interaction of B27 with foreign antigens have all been proposed as possible mechanisms to account for the association. Reports of a high incidence of Klebsiella carriage in patients with AS directed investigation towards cross-reactivity between Klebsiella and B27 antigens. Sera to certain Klebsiella isolates have been found to be cytotoxic for B27 positive peripheral blood lymphocytes (FBL) from patients with AS. Cross-reactivity has also been demonstrated, between serum raised to B27 positive lymphocytes and various enteric bacteria and recently raised levels of anti-Klebsiella IgA antibodies have been found in patients with active AS. It has therefore been suggested that AS may occur as a result of immunological damage following infection by gram negative bacteria carrying antigens that are stereochemically similar to self antigens.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Medicine, Immunology