Basic Science
Abstract #1917: The Role of Antibodies Against Eosinophilic Peroxidase in Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Authors: R. Ulmansky, Y. Berkun, A. Munitz, M. Zimmerman, F. Levy-Schaffer, Y. Naparstek. Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
Objective: There is a well-known association between the elucidation of antibodies to neutrophil granule components (ANCAs) and several systemic vasculitis syndromes (ie. Wegener’s, Churg-Strauss, microscopic polyarteritis). However, the pathognomonic involvement of another granulocyte, the eosinophil, in the Churg-Strauss syndrome begs the question as to whether autoimmunity to its granule components are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Methods: Sera from patients with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, the Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), microscopic polyarteritis, and hypereosinophilia for other reasons were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for reactivity against purified eosinophils. ELISA was used to look for anti-eosinophilic peroxidase antibodies as well.
Results: Anti-eosinophilic cytoplasmic antibodies were found in several CSS and hypereosinophilic patients, but in none of the other ANCA and non-ANCA-associated vasculitis patients. The tested reactivity against eosinophilic peroxidase, was noted in all IIF positive samples.
Significance: Though they do not appear to be specific for the CSS, it is fascinating that it took over a decade since the discovery of the ANCA antigens for a group to look for similar antigens in eosinophils. The role of the eosinophil and autoimmunity to components of this granulocyte will likely become major investigative priorities for vasculitis researchers in the years to come.
