A Mycobacterium leprae Hsp65 Mutant as a Candidate for Mitigating Lupus Aggravation in Mice
2011

A Mycobacterium leprae Hsp65 Mutant as a Candidate for Mitigating Lupus Aggravation in Mice

Sample size: 15 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marengo Eliana B., de Moraes Luciana V., Melo Robson L., Balan Andrea, Fernandes Beatriz L., Tambourgi Denise V., Rizzo Luiz Vicente, Sant'Anna Osvaldo Augusto

Primary Institution: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil

Hypothesis

The administration of point-mutated K409A Hsp65 can mitigate the progression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in mice.

Conclusion

The K409A mutant form of Hsp65 may delay the onset of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, representing a potential new treatment approach for autoimmune diseases.

Supporting Evidence

  • Administration of wild type M. leprae Hsp65 accelerated SLE progression.
  • K409A pep increased survival time compared to Leader pep.
  • Combined administration of K409A and Leader pep showed enhanced survival.
  • Immunomodulatory effects of K409A were similar to its corresponding protein.

Takeaway

Scientists found that a special version of a protein from bacteria can help mice with a disease called lupus live longer.

Methodology

Mice were inoculated with synthetic peptides and observed for survival over a period of 315 days.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human disease.

Participant Demographics

Female [NZBxNZW]F1 mice, aged 45 days.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024093

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