Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a severe, autoimmune blistering disease characterized in part by the presence of antibodies in the skin and in the circulation specific for a basement membrane zone (BMZ) protein, the BP antigen. The regions on the antigen important in the pathogenesis of disease and the factors which control the origin of these autoantibodies are unknown. The BP antigen has been recently partially cloned and sequenced. Sera from 25% of patients with BP bind to 2 synthetic peptides encoded by the BP cDNA sequence. This project will characterize the sequences on the BP antigen recognized by B and T cells in these patients. The specific hypotheses to be addressed are: 1) circulating and tissue bound anti-BMZ antibodies in patients with BP recognize specific identical epitopes on the BP antigen; 2) T cells in patients with BP react with specific T cell epitopes on the BP antigen; 3) reactivity of B cells and T cells to specific epitopes correlates with the clinical activity and course of BP; and 4) Class II antigens restrict B and T cell responses in these patients. Antibody binding and T cell responses in patients and controls will be assayed using synthetic peptides and fusion proteins by ELISA technique and in vitro T cell proliferation assays.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
1K08AR001808-01A1
Application #
3079266
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Project Start
1990-08-01
Project End
1995-07-31
Budget Start
1990-08-01
Budget End
1991-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705