TDP-43 and HERV-K Envelope-Specific Immunogenic Epitopes Are Recognized in ALS Patients.

Abstract

The human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) have been associated with the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Given these findings, we investigated the humoral response against HERV-K envelope surface (env-su) glycoprotein antigens and TDP-43 in the plasma of ALS patients and healthy controls (HCs). The measured levels of Abs against the different epitopes' fragments were significantly elevated in ALS patients, both in long-survivor (LS) and newly diagnosed (ND) patients, compared to HCs. We observed a positive correlation between HERV-K and TDP-43 antibodies (Abs) levels, which seemed to strengthen with disease progression, that was not found in HCs. The TDP-43 and HERV-K epitopes identified in this study are highly immunogenic and recognized by the humoral response of ALS patients. Increased circulating levels of Abs directed against specific HERV-K- and TDP-43-derived epitopes could serve as possible biomarkers.

• Authors: Elena Rita Simula, Giannina Arru, Ignazio Roberto Zarbo, Paolo Solla, Leonardo A Sechi
• Journal: Viruses (Viruses) Vol. 13 Issue 11 (11 18 2021) ISSN: 1999-4915 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 34835107 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• DNA-Binding Proteins
• Epitopes
• TARDBP protein, human
• Viral Envelope Proteins

Topics

• Aged
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (virology)
• DNA-Binding Proteins (immunology)
• Endogenous Retroviruses (immunology)
• Epitopes
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Viral Envelope Proteins (immunology)