OP0218 Regulation of auto-antibody production by auto-immune complexes on follicular dendritic cells
Authors: M.E. El Shikh, M. Biggioggero, R. El Sayed, M. Kmieciak, M. Manjili, A. Szakal, P.L. Meroni, C. Pitzalis, J. Tew
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are characteristic components of organized tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) containing germinal centres (GCs) in chronically inflamed tissues. However, the role of FDCs in initiation, maintenance, and regulation of autoreactive GCs and auto-antibody (Ab) production has not been analyzed. <h3>Objectives</h3> We sought direct evidences to our hypothesis that auto-immune complex (IC) retention on FDCs critically regulates auto-Ab production and that FDC-IC unloading would significantly inhibit auto-Ab levels. <h3>Methods</h3> To test our hypothesis, purified human FDCs, B cells, T cells, complement, fibrinogen (Fib), and anti-Fib from high anti-citrullinated peptide protein Ab (ACPA) sera were used to set up controlled <i>in vitro</i> autoreactive GC reactions. The reactions were differentially reconstituted by the cellular and molecular components of GCs. The IgG specific <i>Endoglycosidase S</i> (EndoS) was used to inhibit Fib-IC retention on FDCs, and Fib-specific auto-Ab production. Moreover, the ability of IC retention on FDCs to break B cell tolerance and induce auto-Ab production in tolerant animal models was verified. <h3>Results</h3> Our <i>in vitro</i> studies indicated that the co-stimulatory effect of both FDCs and T cells is required for induction of significantly high levels of Fib-specific IgG whereas Fib-IC-loaded FDCs alone induced Fib-specific IgM. In addition, EndoS significantly inhibited Fib-specific IgG production in FDC-T cell-assisted cultures via mechanisms involving interference with FDC-IC retention, inhibition of complement activation, and possibly, IgG B cell receptor deglycosylation. <i>In vivo</i>, FDC-ICs induced autoreactive GCs and auto-Ab production in well-characterized animal models tolerant to hen egg lysozyme [HEL] as well as targets of therapeutic importance including TNF-α, IgE, and the extracellular domain 2 of the <i>neu</i> antigen [ECDII]. Nevertheless, safe termination of these induced auto-Ab responses was challenged by the non specific activity of EndoS as indicated by its inhibitory effect on protective immune responses to the foreign antigen ovalbumin (OVA). To avoid the non-selective activity of EndoS, we designed bait and pray "Split-EndoS conditional re-functionalization" system that selectively deglycosylates target Abs (pray) engaging their antigens (baits) on the EndoS molecules. The system was successfully tested as indicated by the ability of biotin-baited EndoS to selectively deglycosylate anti-biotin IgG. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This is the first report analysing the critical role of FDC-ICs in auto-Ab production in <i>in vitro</i> autoreactive germinal centre reactions, with potential therapeutic targeting of clinically important antigens and selective termination using EndoS. <h3>References</h3> El Shikh, M.E., R.M. El Sayed, S. Sukumar, A.K. Szakal, and J.G. Tew. 2010. Activation of B cells by antigens on follicular dendritic cells. Trends Immunol 31:205-211. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared