The Role of Autophagy in the Degradation of Misfolded HLA ‐B27 Heavy Chains

ConclusionThese results demonstrate for the first time that both autophagy and ERAD play a role in the elimination of excess HLA class I heavy chains expressed in transgenic rats. We found no evidence that HLA‐B27 expression modulated the autophagy pathway. Our results suggest that impaired ubiquitination of HLA‐B27 may play a role in the accumulation of misfolded disulfide‐linked dimers, whose elimination can be enhanced by activation of autophagy. Manipulation of the autophagy pathway should be further investigated as a potential therapeutic avenue in spondyloarthritis.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - Category: Rheumatology Authors: Tags: Full Length Source Type: research