Novel HLA-B27-restricted epitopes from chlamydia trachomatis generated upon endogenous processing of bacterial proteins suggest a role of molecular mimicry in reactive arthritis

Abstract

Background: Reactive arthritis is an HLA-B27-associated disease triggered by Chlamydia trachomatis. Results: Three chlamydial peptides endogenously presented by HLA-B27 were identified. All were homologous to humanderived sequences, and one showed conformational similarity to a self-derived HLA-B27 ligand. Conclusion: Molecular mimicry between chlamydial and self-derived HLA-B27 ligands is not uncommon. Significance: Molecular mimicry may contribute to the pathology of reactive arthritis. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.