Isolevuglandins disrupt PU.1-mediated C1q expression and promote autoimmunity and hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus

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Abstract

We describe a mechanism responsible for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In humans with SLE and in 2 SLE murine models, there was marked enrichment of isolevuglandin-adducted proteins (isoLG adducts) in monocytes and dendritic cells. We found that antibodies formed against isoLG adducts in both SLE-prone mice and humans with SLE. In addition, isoLG ligation of the transcription factor PU.1 at a critical DNA binding site markedly reduced transcription of all C1q subunits. Treatment of SLE-prone mice with the specific isoLG scavenger 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) ameliorated parameters of autoimmunity, including plasma cell expansion, circulating IgG levels, and anti-dsDNA antibody titers. 2-HOBA also lowered blood pressure, attenuated renal injury, and reduced inflammatory gene expression uniquely in C1q-expressing dendritic cells. Thus, isoLG adducts play an essential role in the genesis and maintenance of systemic autoimmunity and hypertension in SLE.

Authors

David M. Patrick, Néstor de la Visitación, Jaya Krishnan, Wei Chen, Michelle J. Ormseth, C. Michael Stein, Sean S. Davies, Venkataraman Amarnath, Leslie J. Crofford, Jonathan M. Williams, Shilin Zhao, Charles D. Smart, Sergey Dikalov, Anna Dikalova, Liang Xiao, Justin P. Van Beusecum, Mingfang Ao, Agnes B. Fogo, Annet Kirabo, David G. Harrison