Restricted myeloperoxidase epitopes drive the adaptive immune response in MPO-ANCA vasculitis

摘要

Background: Treatment of autoimmune diseases has relied on broad immunosuppression. Knowledge of specific interactions between human leukocyte antigen (HLA), the autoantigen, and effector immune cells, provides the foundation for antigen-specific therapies. These studies investigated the role of HLA, specific myeloperoxidase (MPO) epitopes, CD4(+) T cells, and ANCA specificity in shaping the immune response in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis.