Cloning and expression of a novel human antibody–antigen pair associated with Felty's syndrome

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.16.9234
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:41:48Z
• Authors: Henrik J. Ditzel; Yasufumi Masaki; Heidi Nielsen; Lauge Farnaes; Dennis R. Burton
• Keywords: Felty's syndrome

An increasing number of studies suggest the importance antibodies in pathogenesis most systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, although there is considerable controversy over precise role autoantibodies involved. In humans, a major obstacle to progress identification cloning relevant autoantigens. Here, an approach based on sequential use antibody phage display antigen expression libraries developed applied donor suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), splenomegaly, peripheral destruction neutrophils leading neutropenia (Felty's syndrome). library was constructed bone marrow high-affinity human mAb, ANA15, selected by panning against fresh independently fixed cell line. The showed strong staining lines. Probing λgt11 induced myelomonocytic line with mAb ANA15 identified eukaryotic elongation factor 1A-1 (eEF1A-1) as novel autoantigen. specificity confirmed reactivity both purified recombinant eEF1A-1. Screening large panel sera revealed that 66% patients Felty's syndrome had elevated levels anti-eEF1A-1 antibodies. this antibody–antigen pair should permit rational evaluation any pathogenicity resulting interaction its significance neutropenia.