Autoantigenic properties of the aminoacyl tRNA synthetase family in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Abstract

ObjectivesAutoantibodies are thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). However, up to 40% of IIM patients, even those with clinical manifestations of anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD), test seronegative to all known myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs). We hypothesized the existence of new potential autoantigens among human cytoplasmic aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) in patients with IIM.MethodsPlasma samples and clinical data from 217 patients with, 50 patients with ASSD, 165 without, and two with unknown ASSD status were included retrospectively, as well as serum from 156 age/sex-matched population controls. Samples were screened using a multiplex bead array assay for presence of autoantibodies against a panel of 118 recombinant protein variants, representing 33 myositis-related proteins, including all 19 cytoplasmic aaRS.ResultsWe identified reactivity towards 16 aaRS in 72 of the 217 patients. Twelve patients displayed reactivity against nine novel aaRS. The novel autoantibody specificities were detected in four patients previously seronegative for MSAs and in eight with previously detected MSAs. We also confirmed reactivity to four of the most common aaRS (Jo1, PL12, PL7, and EJ (n=45)) and identified patients positive for anti-Zo, -KS, and -HA (n=10) that were not previously tested. A low frequency of anti-aaRS autoantibodies was detected in controls.ConclusionOur results suggest that most, if not all, cytoplasmic aaRS may become autoantigenic. Autoantibodies against new aaRS may be found in plasma of patients previously classified as seronegative with potential high clinical relevance.

Anti‐Jo1 autoantibodies, from clinic to the bench

“…There are occasional reports on autoantibodies targeting other ARS autoantibodies in patients with different clinical phenotypes 16 . However, more studies are needed to validate these findings and to identify less frequent ARS autoantibodies 17 . Understanding the clinical characteristics associated with anti‐Jo‐1 autoantibodies and the molecular mechanisms associated with these autoantibodies is essential to identify new treatment targets and develop more precise therapies.…”

“…16 However, more studies are needed to validate these findings and to identify less frequent ARS autoantibodies. 17 Understanding the clinical characteristics associated with anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies and the molecular mechanisms associated with these autoantibodies is essential to identify new treatment targets and develop more precise therapies. Thus, this review will focus on the clinical and immunological characteristics of the anti-Jo1 autoantibody.…”