An Epitope from Acanthamoeba castellanii That Cross-React with Proteolipid Protein 139-151-Reactive T Cells Induces Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in SJL Mice

Authors

Chandirasegaran Massilamany, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
David Steffan, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Jay Reddy, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2010

Citation

Journal of Neuroimmunology (2010) 219: 17-24. DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.11.006

Comments

Copyright 2010, Elsevier. Used by permission.

Abstract

We report here that an epitope (aa, 83-95) derived from Acanthamoeba castellanii (ACA) induces clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J mice reminiscent of the disease induced with myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) 139-151. By using IA^s/tetramers, we demonstrate that both ACA 83-95 and PLP 139-151 generate antigen-specific cross-reactive CD4 T cells and the T cells secrete identical patterns of cytokines and induce EAE with a similar severity. These results may provide insights into the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and ACA-induced granulomatous encephalitis.