Unique protein signature of circulating microparticles in systemic lupus erythematosus

摘要

The study identifies and quantifies 531 unique proteins associated with MPs. A panel of 268 proteins that are either increased or decreased in SLE-MPs significantly distinguishes SLE-MPs from all other MPs including MPs from other autoimmmune disease patients. Proteins increased in SLE include immunoglobulins and complement proteins. Associations of the levels of specific proteins with disease severity were readily detected. The data strongly support the uniqueness of the circulating MP population in SLE patients. The pronounced increase of abnormal MPs that are heavily tagged for removal in the circulation of SLE patients support the notion that clearance defects are part of the SLE pathogenesis. Specific proteins represent novel leads for the examination of the pathogenesis and development of new treatments of SLE.