Detection of serum anti-melanocyte antibodies and identification of related antigens in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We detected autoantibodies against melanocytes in serum samples obtained from 50 patients, including 4 with HBV, with vitiligo and identified the associated membrane antigens. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and anti-tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1) antibody levels were analyzed. The associated antigens in normal human melanocyte were identified by immunofluorescence. Autoantibodies against melanocyte membrane and cytoplasmic proteins were detected by western blot. Membrane antigens with higher frequencies were identified by protein mass spectrometry. The HSP70 and anti-TRP-1 antibody levels (N = 70; 10 with HBV) were detected by ELISA. The specific antigens were detected in melanocyte cytoplasm and membrane (40/50; 80% incidence; western blot). The autoantibodies reacted with several membrane antigens with approximate molecular weights (Mr) of 86

Evaluation of treatment response to autologous transplantation of noncultured melanocyte/keratinocyte cell suspension in patients with stable vitiligo

“…The presence of anti-melanocyte antibodies; the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as the tumor necrosis factor and interferon gamma; and the changes in regulatory T cells also seem to play an important role. 7,37,38 Other factors, such as molecular characteristics of suspension cells and neurogenic and biochemical factors, still require better comprehension. 21,36 Nevertheless, the evaluation of these molecular parameters is difficult and uncommon in the routine of a clinical practice, occurring mainly in some scientific research.…”

Identification of Novel HLA-A*0201-Restricted CTL Epitopes in Chinese Vitiligo Patients

“…Besides of gp100, tyrosinase and MelanA/Mart-1, the autoantibodies to tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2 (TRP1 and TRP2)2425, tyrosine hydroxylase26, lamin A27, HSP7028 were detected in the serum of vitiligo. Many researchers attempted to find the accurate epitopes in these auto-antigens, but owing to the limitation on patient number and population, conflicting results were obtained.…”

Could hepatitis B vaccine act as an adjuvant to lower risk and relapses of cancer?

“…Here, we want to briefly mention that HBV surface antigens may also exert similarities to melanocyte antigens as evidenced by associations of HBV‐carrier frequency in vitiligo patients. Vitiligo is a relatively frequent dermal disease characterized by the partial loss of melanocytes . Existing data support that the aetiology is related to autoimmunity, specifically, to the presence of anti‐melanocyte antibodies .…”

“…If there is an antigenic mimicry between HBV and melanoma cells or even benign melanocytes, one would expect higher prevalence of the HBV carrier state in vitiligo patients. Indeed, Chinese researchers have shown that vitiligo was more frequent in carriers of HBV . On the other hand, three independent Turkish research groups have shown reduced prevalence of the HBV carrier state in vitiligo patients.…”

“…Vitiligo is a relatively frequent dermal disease characterized by the partial loss of melanocytes. 33 Existing data support that the aetiology is related to autoimmunity, specifically, to the presence of anti-melanocyte antibodies. 33 Above, we had mentioned that co-presence of HBsAg augmented anti-melanoma responses both in preclinical and clinical contexts.…”