Novel peptides ameliorate symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus in mice (96.2)

Abstract

Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a loss of immunologic tolerance, production of auto-antibodies and inflammatory damage in multiple organs. We have tested the effect of anti-inflammatory peptide, a H2A histone fragment, termed IIIM1 on MRL/lpr mice, an animal model of SLE. Oral administration of IIIM1 at early stage of disease caused reduction in proteinuria and serum anti-dsDNA antibodies. Starting the treatment at advanced stage of disease resulted in prolonged animal survival, decreased lymphadenosis and reduced levels of pathogenic or abnormal double negative CD4-CD8- cells and B220+ cells in lymph nodes and spleen. We discovered that IIIM1 induces the production of an additional peptide, a fragment of alpha-1-antitrypsin, termed UBE. Relatively low dose (1µg/kg) of UBE reduced proteinuria and hematuria in MRL/lpr mice. The beneficial effect of the peptide was corroborated by histological examination. Furthermore, a significant reduction in serum IL17, IL12 and anti dsDNA antibodies was observed in the UBE-treated mice. Isolated CD4 cells incubated with the peptide showed similar cytokine profile. Decreased levels of double negative CD4-CD8- and B220+ cells were determined in lymph organs of UBE-treated animals. The beneficial effects of both UBE and IIIM1 suggest these peptides as potential drugs for SLE.